Principles

Suppose a doctor conducts assisted suicide on a patient. Would this act be regarded as moral?
Value of Life Principle
A critical examination of the scenario indicates the value of life principle would certainly
be violated if the doctor conducts assisted suicide (Krasemann, K. W., & Thiroux, 2011). It is
vital to acknowledge that the dignity of life of the patient is violated because it is God who
provides life, and He is the one to take it. Life is sacred, and even health professionals are not
obligated to end it.
Principle of Goodness
From the perspective of relieving a patient from consistent pain and suffering, assisted
suicide is good. Notably, most patients at the end of life may go through unbearable pain and
suffering that may push them to ask their doctors to end their lives through assisted suicide to
avoid more suffering. As much as Christians may view this act as wrong, it helps end the pain for
the patient.
Principle of Justice
It is vital to acknowledge that assisted suicide may be considered just when it ends pain
and suffering for a patient. However, some conditions must be abided by, including seeking the
consent of the patient to conduct assisted suicide. Remarkably, patients have the right to make
decisions about their life, and thus when one agrees to end their life, it is just.
Principle of Honesty and Truth-Telling
The principle of honesty and truth-telling applies to the situation as the doctor has to be
honest with the patient about their condition and the best medical decision to help improve the
condition (Krasemann & Thiroux, 2011). It is a doctor’s responsibility to tell the truth to patients

about their conditions. Also, it is the patient’s right to be honest about what they want based on
the information about their condition.
Principle of Individual Freedom
In the above case, the principle of individual freedom may be violated when the doctor
fails to allow the patient to make their medical decision. If the patient consents to assisted
suicide, then this act is considered moral and one that ends pain and suffering for a patient.

Reference

Krasemann, K. W., & Thiroux, J. P. (2011). Ethics: theory and practice. Pearson Higher Ed.