British Parliament has just approved a Bill to allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life; and for connected purposes. Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has initiated a new wave of controversy and criticism along with its support by several followers. Bill describes eligibility to be provided with lawful assistance to voluntarily end own life to terminally ill person who has the capacity to make a decision to end their own life & is aged 18 or over at the time the person makes a first declaration, is ordinarily resident in England and Wales and has been so resident for at least 12 months ending with the date of the first declaration, and is registered as a patient with a general medical practice in England or Wales, may, on request, be provided with assistance to end their own life in accordance.
Critics have argued the bill risks people being coerced into seeking an assisted death, but supports of this Bill are confident ensuring all sufficient safeguards in this regard. Hundreds of campaigners gathered outside Parliament in the blazing heat to make sure their voices were heard as MPs made up their minds. Those in favour of the bill had united under the “Dignity in Dying campaign”. There were also large numbers of people campaigning against the Bill, many with concerns over how to protect vulnerable people. The campaign group “Care Not Killing” is among those who argue that the focus should be on “promoting more and better palliative care” rather than any law change. It is also argued by them that putting pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives for fear of being a financial, emotional or care burden upon others may have dire consequences.
Various terms have been used to explain this concept. Euthanasia is sometimes known as ‘mercy killing’ and refers to ending a patient’s life who is suffering from an incurable and/or painful disease or is in an irreversible coma. Here the person actually performs the final act. In assisted suicide, the physician intentionally gives the patients the means to take the lethal medication themselves.
The medical profession will face the biggest challenge about what should be the role of doctors in this process. Questions will be raised leading to further support of this idea & controversies for the medical profession including discussion about whether “aid in dying” or “assisted dying” might be confused with palliative, hospice, or other care of dying patients. Similarly, this issue will remain as a discussion point relevant to the care of patients challenging Hippocratic model that has been dominated medical practice for thousands of years. This ethical code for physicians emphasizes the importance of patient care, confidentiality, and professional conduct. Despite living over two millennia ago, his teachings and principles are continuing to hold relevance in modern medicine
Physician aid in dying raises issues central to the role of physicians. Arguments for and against participating in aid-in-dying or physician-assisted suicide will have practical implications in terms of future directions and policies in many countries. Strong arguments remain both in favour and in opposition to the practice. Whereas choosing to kill is contrary to the human condition and never morally acceptable, permitting physicians to engage in assisted suicide would ultimately cause more harm than good.
Can ethical consideration challenge the doctors to be both the arbiters and administrators for assisted dying? This may also have several implications. The process of prematurely and deliberately ending one’s life is always termed as suicide, regardless of motivation. Will “physician-assisted suicide” demean those who die by suicide for other reasons, as if only medically assisted suicides are legitimate.
Thes topic of assisted dying for a terminally ill person needs further deliberations & discussions in health circles, society and legislative arenas. Physicians have an ethical responsibility to remain informed on this timely issue and professional organisations should start discussing this matter with utmost care and professional wisdom.
