Valdez, Maxine N.

20220660-N
Ethics with Peace Studies

REFLECTION PAPER

Situation 1: Medical Ethics, end of life - involving a dying parent

Brief background: I chose euthanasia as the topic of discussion following the given situation.
In this scenario, I am faced with two choices: intentionally putting my father’s life down so he
does not experience any more pain or letting him live the last remaining moments of his life to a
natural completion.

Reflection: Medical ethics experts have been debating the ethicality of euthanasia for many
years. The act of purposefully taking life to end the pain is referred to as "euthanasia". If I had to
choose between performing euthanasia on my father to reduce the time he spends in deep pain or
letting him live with that pain until his last breath, I would choose the latter. I want to spend with
him the time he has left not because I want him to suffer longer but because I want him to know
that I stayed until the end. I know that hospitals in the Philippines aren’t legalized to perform
euthanasia but even if they were legally offered, I would not accept it. I would have instructed
them to just make my father comfortable with pain-relief drugs to make his last few moments
bearable so that he can spend time with me and our family before he finally passes. Another
significant reason why I chose not to perform euthanasia on my father is that my morals go
against it. I love studying medicine because I too, want to become a medical expert one day. This
is why I also know that it is the job and responsibility of healthcare professionals to provide the
best possible care they can give their patients no matter how critical their condition is because
that is an oath they took when they decided to take careers in the medical field.

While euthanasia's supporters contend that it can offer comfort to individuals with terminal
conditions, I firmly feel that it should not be permitted in our society. Particularly pertinent in a
circumstance where a parent is nearing the end of their life, where it is crucial to put our loved
one's comfort and care first. Legalizing euthanasia in the Philippines would signify a rejection of
these ideals and the development of a society that places little value on human life and dignity.
As such, I will present convincing evidence for my opposition to euthanasia and the negative
effects it would have on society.

First of all, allowing euthanasia would promote a culture that values human life as a commodity.
The impact on society's perception of life's worth would be dispensable. People with disabilities
or chronic illnesses may feel undervalued and abandoned if life is seen as something that is only
important when it is free from pain and suffering. Euthanasia may then be viewed as a practical
means of ending pain in a society where people are viewed as burdens.

Second, making euthanasia legal could foster an environment where people who are deemed to
be a burden are abandoned and allowed to wither away. This can happen when medical
professionals view euthanasia as a simple way to cut healthcare costs rather than giving patients
the attention and comfort they need. As a result, families and individuals may suffer greatly, as
they must deal with the agony and guilt of leaving their loved ones.
Thirdly, euthanasia may go against medical ethics guidelines, which demand that healthcare
professionals give patients' autonomy and well-being a top priority. Healthcare professionals are
responsible for giving their patients the finest care and treatment available. Healthcare
professionals who choose to end a patient's life may be abdicating their ethical duties and
betraying the confidence of their clients and their families.

Lastly, there is a compelling reason why euthanasia is prohibited in the Philippines. The right to
life and the dignity of every human being are upheld by the Philippine Constitution. Legalizing
assisted suicide would go against these values and lead to the development of a society that does
not value human life and dignity.

In conclusion, any family will experience difficulty and emotion when a parent is nearing the end
of his or her life. Choosing euthanasia, however, is not the answer. Euthanasia would be made
legal, which would be terrible for society since it would devalue human life, foster a culture of
abandonment, and violate medical ethics. It is crucial to provide our loved ones the right
attention and comfort they need, as well as to make sure that their lives are recognized and
respected even during difficult times. We can build a society based on respect for human life and
dignity by doing this.