Autonomy, Euthanasia, and the Role of the Modern Physician Is the Refusal of Euthanasia Requests Harmful, and if so, What Does This Mean for The Modern-Day Physician?

Abstract

An interesting defence for the anti-euthanasia movement is to argue that aiding a patient in dying is distinctly against the role of the physician, however, in this thesis, it will be discovered that this is not the case. Not only is it possible to see a physician’s assistance in the death of their patient as within their role, but something they should be obliged to do. This obligation derives from a physician’s commonly understood role as a healer. A wellbeing promoter and a harm reducer. In coming to these conclusions, it will be necessary to understand how a request for euthanasia can promote wellbeing of a specific group of patients, namely, those at the end of their life, and those facing unbearable suffering. Alongside this, it will also be demonstrated how, by extension, the refusal of such a request is harmful to the patient. A necessity to look into the future also arises and, in doing so, it will be found that the role of the physician will change from being one where they are the main actor in the physician-patient relationship to one of dispensing medical advice to better facilitate patient’s choice, ensuring comprehensive promotion of that patient’s wellbeing.