Against the right to die.
For some patients, a right to receive euthanasia will not enhance autonomy in the morally relevant sense. Even if these patients choose wisely whether to exercise their right to die, they will still be harmed by having been given it. Perhaps, then, physicians should have permission to administer voluntary euthanasia, but patients should not have a right to receive it.
Velleman
J D
JD
Department of Philosophy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109.
D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D026686:Beneficence; D003128:Coma; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D033101:Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007872:Legal Guardians; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009014:Morals; D026706:Paternalism; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D012297:Right to Die / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D026712:Value of Life