We may claim the right to die in any of three forms:
(1) withdrawing or withholding all medical treatments and life-support systems,
(2) voluntary death—chosen rationally by the candidate, or
(3) merciful death—chosen rationally by proxies for the candidate.
However, each of these life-ending decisions is open to abuse:
(1) premature withdrawal of life-supports,
(2) suicide and manipulated or coerced death, or
(3) mercy killing.
This talk proposes
ten
practical safeguards
to prevent abuse of the right to die,
while permitting appropriate and
reasonable
decisions for death.
Basically the safeguards gather the
considered opinions of the candidate,
the doctors, the family, and any ethical
consultants who may be involved,
including members of the clergy.
Also there should be appropriate waiting
periods, full reporting,
and the possibility of prosecution for
violations the safeguards.
The mass media are
critical of Dr. Jack Kevorkian
because he does not seem to follow
reasonable
safeguards
to prevent premature deaths.
Voters and the courts have rejected
legislation to grant various forms
of the right to die because of fears
of abuse.
But merely outlawing all forms of chosen
death does not end the practice.
It merely keeps life-ending decisions
underground
—and without open discussion by all
concerned.
We need some formal and workable
safeguards
to bring life-ending decisions into
the open,
where we can say "yes" to some decisions
for a rational death
and "no" to other decisions that would
result in premature death.
OUTLINE:
1. 'Living will' and/or other request for death from the candidate.
2. Psychological consultant certifies that the candidate is competent to decide.
3. Doctor's summary of condition and prognosis.
4. Independent doctor confirms condition and prognosis.
5. Significant others agree with the life-ending decision.
6. Member of the clergy approves the life-ending decision.
7. Ethics committee reviews the life-ending decision.
8. Criminal and civil penalties for causing premature death.
9. Waiting periods before death is permitted.
10. Complete reporting of all material facts.
James Park is an
existential
philosopher.
He advocates both voluntary death
and merciful death.
This presentation is based on "Ten
Safeguards
for Life-Ending Decisions"
an article by James Park of 28 pages,
copies of which are available.
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An Existential
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