Nursing involvement in euthanasia: a 'nursing-as-healing-praxis' approach.
In an earlier article, it was found that the terms of preference utilitarianism are insufficiently sound for guiding nursing activity in general, including in relation to nursing involvement in euthanasia. In this article, I shall examine the terms of a more traditional philosophical approach in order to determine the moral legitimacy, or otherwise, of nursing engagement in measures intended to end the lives of patients. In attempting this task, nursing practice is considered in light of what I shall call a 'nursing-as-healing-praxis' approach which includes an account of the moral purpose of nursing and the virtues necessary for realizing that purpose. Ultimately, it is concluded that the terms of this approach rule out the involvement of nurses in euthanasia such that if euthanasia can be justified at all, those outside the nursing profession must provide for its administration.
McCabe
Helen
H
Australian Catholic University, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia. h.mccabe@plunkett.acu.edu.au
D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000941:ethics; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics; D004644:Emotions / Q000941:ethics; D004645:Empathy; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D028663:Ethical Theory; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D028681:Moral Obligations; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000941:ethics*; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D012297:Right to Die / Q000941:ethics; D012945:Social Values; D028722:Virtues