Citation

Bleek J. Ethik Med. 2012; 24(3): 193-205.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00481-011-0148-6

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Definition of the problem One argument against physician-assisted suicide is that patients might ask for assisted suicide, because they feel like they are a burden to others. In this context, it is then questioned whether a so-motivated desire for death is authentic. Is this a convincing argument? Arguments Empirical data show that physician-assisted suicide based on this motive does not have to be contradictory to the biomedical principles of beneficence and the respect for autonomy. First, the worry about causing burden to others contributes to existential distress at the end of life despite sufficient palliative care. Second, this motive arises from the empathic concern about relatives who may be exposed to a significantly stressful situation. Since the family's welfare is an elementary value in terminal illness, the desire for hastening death based on this motive could be an expression of an autonomous will. On the other hand, there is a correlation between self-perceived burden and depression. This is important, because in depressive disorders decision-making capacity may be limited. Therefore, it is reasonable to doubt such a motivated desire to die.

CONCLUSION Given the fact of limited tools currently available to assess decision-making capacity, the doctor's participation in such a motivated request for hastened death is ethically questionable. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.

Language: de

Keywords

Physician-assisted suicide; Decision-making capacity; Desire for death; Self-perceived burden; Seriously ill patients