W363 - Ethical Analysis Assignment

 

       

        This case presents a complex and emotionally charged ethical dilemma. The primary ethical concern here is about having the freedom to make our own choices regarding end-of-life issues. For example, end of life issues involve personal values, religious beliefs, and the impact on loved ones (Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, 2021). Timothy Bowers had to deal with a life-changing accident that left him paralyzed, and he was put in the tough position of deciding whether to keep life support or opt for euthanasia. This brings up the question of whether people should be able to make such significant decisions about their lives, particularly when faced with extreme suffering and a diminished quality of life.

         Several people were involved in the decision-making process. Firstly, there is Timothy Bowers himself, who ultimately made the decision to remove himself from life support. His wife, Abbey Logan, and his unborn child were also deeply impacted by this decision, as they would have been directly affected by the outcome. Additionally, his friends and family were involved in providing emotional support and guidance during this difficult time. From Timothy's perspective, the ethical issue revolved around his right to make decisions about his own life and the quality of life he wanted to live. He grappled with the thought of being in a wheelchair and the impact it would have on his ability to care for his family and engage in meaningful activities. For Abbey, the ethical issue was to respect her husband's wishes and support him in making a decision that aligned with his values and beliefs, even though it meant losing him. Abbey faced what is called a profound ethical dilemma of honoring her husband's autonomy and ensuring that his wishes were upheld, all while coping with her own grief and the impending responsibility of raising their child alone (Vitória Pessoa Nogueira et al., 2023). Family and friends had to reconcile the ethical dilemma of honoring Timothy's decision while coping with the loss and the emotional toll it took on them. 

         The ethical discussion about this situation focuses on the conflict between valuing life and respecting an individual's freedom to make their own choices. Some believe that every life is precious and should be protected no matter what, while others recognize the importance of personal autonomy, especially when dealing with suffering and a low quality of life. When it comes to how to handle the ethical dilemma, it's crucial to prioritize autonomy and self-determination. Timothy's choice was very personal and based on his own values and beliefs. It's important to respect and support his decision, even though it will bring significant sadness for his loved ones. This situation highlights the need for open discussions about end-of-life wishes and serves as a reminder for people to record their preferences in advance so that their desires are understood and honored (Legate & Ryan, 2014).

          The tributes and outpouring of support for Timothy reflect the impact he had on his community and the lives he touched. His decision has sparked conversations about the difficult but necessary discussions surrounding end-of-life care and the importance of addressing these issues proactively. The tragedy has also shed light on the importance of safety measures, particularly for activities like hunting, to prevent such devastating accidents from occurring in the future.

                                       

 

                                            Sources

University, S. C. (2021, November 8). A framework for Ethical Decision making. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making/ 

     Nogueira, V. P., Furtado, M. A., Pessoa, V. L. M. de P., & Pereira, V. M. (2023, December 4). Ethical dilemmas at the end of life: A reflection from the philosophical perspective of Luigina Mortari. Revista brasileira de enfermagem. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10695058/ 

Legate, N., & Ryan, R. M. (1970, January 1). Individual autonomy. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_140#:~:text=When%20individuals%20are%20autonomous%2C%20their,as%20external%20to%20the%20self. 

 

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