tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476621888383604834.post7796499949984500510..comments2024-02-15T03:26:38.897-05:00Comments on Health Care Organizational Ethics: Euthanasia, Murder and Medical EthicsJim Sabinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087828142188534542noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476621888383604834.post-76534501573953950082009-03-28T09:18:00.000-04:002009-03-28T09:18:00.000-04:00Dear Anonymous -Thank you for the thoughtful comme...Dear Anonymous -<BR/><BR/>Thank you for the thoughtful comment.<BR/><BR/>The concerns you raise are real. Covert rationing (or malevolent intent) could utilize the mechanism of physician assisted death as a vehicle. Voters in Oregon and Washington have concluded that the potential risks can be contained (though not eliminated!) and are outweighed by the potential benefits. And experience in Oregon with the Death with Dignity Act has not raised much controversy or concern. <BR/><BR/>Nevertheless, this is certainly an issue where people of intelligence and integrity can weigh the competing values differently. <BR/><BR/>Best<BR/><BR/>JimJim Sabinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03087828142188534542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7476621888383604834.post-193246524367421082009-03-25T22:43:00.000-04:002009-03-25T22:43:00.000-04:00I have reservations regarding your comparison of p...I have reservations regarding your comparison of physical exams to sexual assault with ethical euthanasia and murder. <BR/><BR/>Sexual assault is an embarrassing misdemeanor and penalties or discipline are (according to my observation) frequently imposed where applicable. Society has little tolerance for these kinds of acts. <BR/><BR/>On the other hand, an act of involuntary euthanasia can easily be seen as an act of mercy, which society certainly tolerates. The pressures of covert rationing strategies, which might have subtly encouraged the act, might never be recognized by anyone.<BR/><BR/>Moreover, the charge for involuntary euthanasia is homicide, and the penalty is so harsh that it is highly unlikely to be imposed unless the situation is extreme. <BR/><BR/>I believe that this represents the fear of the vulnerable with respect to euthanasia.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com