Case Study: End of Life Decisions
George is a successful attorney in his mid-fifties. He is also a legal scholar, holding a teaching post at the local university law school in Oregon. George is also actively involved in his teenage son’s basketball league, coaching regularly for their team. Recently, George has experienced muscle weakness and unresponsive muscle coordination. He was forced to seek medical attention after he fell and injured his hip. After an examination at the local hospital following his fall, the attending physician suspected that George may be showing early symptoms for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The week following the initial examination, further testing revealed a positive diagnosis of ALS.
ALS is progressive and gradually causes motor neuron deterioration and muscle atrophy to the point of complete muscle control loss. There is currently no cure for ALS, and the median life expectancy is between 3 and 4 years, though it is not uncommon for some to live 10 or more years. The progressive muscle atrophy and deterioration of motor neurons leads to the loss of the ability to speak, move, eat, and breathe. However, sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell are not affected. Patients will be wheelchair bound and eventually need permanent ventilator support to assist with breathing.
George and his family are devastated by the diagnosis. George knows that treatment options only attempt to slow down the degeneration, but the symptoms will eventually come. He will eventually be wheelchair bound and be unable to move, eat, speak, or even breathe on his own.
In contemplating his future life with ALS, George begins to dread the prospect of losing his mobility and even speech. He imagines his life in complete dependence upon others for basic everyday functions and perceives the possibility of eventually degenerating to the point at which he is a prisoner in his own body. Would he be willing to undergo such torture, such loss of his own dignity and power? George thus begins inquiring about possibility of voluntary euthanasia.
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Assessment Description
The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people from a variety of faiths. This calls for knowledge and understanding of a diversity of faith expressions; for the purpose of this course, the focus will be on the Christian worldview.
Based on “Case Study: End of Life Decisions,” the Christian worldview, and the worldview questions presented in the required topic Resources you will complete an ethical analysis of George’s situation and his decision from the perspective of the Christian worldview.
Provide a 1,500-2,000-word ethical analysis while answering the following questions:
- How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
- How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
- As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?
- What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
- Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
- Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
Remember to support your responses with the topic Resources.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is required.
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Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor in charge of creating college assignments and answers for medical college students, it is important to teach students about the ethical issues surrounding end-of-life decisions. The case study of George, a successful attorney diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, presents a complex ethical dilemma. The following answers will provide an ethical analysis of George’s situation and his decision from the perspective of the Christian worldview.
1. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
George may interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative as a consequence of the fallenness of the world due to sin. The Christian worldview acknowledges that suffering is a part of the human experience, but it is not God’s will for humans to suffer. Additionally, Christians believe that through suffering, one can grow spiritually stronger and closer to God.
2. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
George may interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative as temporary, and he may have hope for the resurrection. As a Christian, George believes in eternal life and the resurrection of the body. He may find comfort in the belief that his suffering is only temporary and that he will experience eternal life in the presence of God.
3. As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?
The Christian worldview considers every life to have inherent value and importance as each person is created in the image of God. George may view his life as still valuable, despite his illness, as he may still have opportunities to grow spiritually, build relationships, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
4. What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
The Christian worldview values the sanctity of life and views euthanasia as ending a life prematurely. The decision to end one’s life through euthanasia may be seen as a rejection of God’s plan and providence. Furthermore, the Christian worldview values the importance of suffering and may see it as a means of spiritual growth and strength in ways that may not be immediately apparent.
5. Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
From the Christian perspective, George may be morally justified in choosing to reject euthanasia and instead rely on palliative care to manage his symptoms. Palliative care can relieve the physical and emotional pain experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses and does not involve the premature ending of one’s life. George may also consider prioritizing his relationships, passions, and hobbies to maximize his quality of life, even in the face of physical limitations.
6. Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
As an AI language model, I don’t possess personal beliefs as humans do. However, if I were a Christian, I would prioritize the value of life and the importance of trusting in God’s plan, rather than resorting to euthanasia. I would encourage George to explore alternative options such as palliative care to help manage his illness and prioritize his relationships and passions to maximize his quality of life.
