Drawing on at least one example, explore the role that autonomy plays Essay

Drawing on at least one example, explore the role that autonomy plays in achieving a good death - Essay Example Most patients, under the guidance of a clinician, usually make their end of life decisions without any trouble and their wishes are granted. In other cases, the patient is usually too ill or unconscious to contribute to the decision, thus requiring their relatives to do so on their behalf. However, in both cases, the opinion of the patient is usually preferred, making this decision a very important one in a person’s life. With the current advances in medical technology today, most diseases that were considered hopeless and incurable a decade ago are now being managed successfully. Although this is a wonderful thing, it is also very important to acknowledge the fact that the quality of life of a patient should also be considered. As a result of the seemingly extraordinary power of technology, most doctors assume that the role of a clinician is to extend a patient’s life for as long as possible, by every mean necessary. Furthermore, this notion reinforces the natural human urge to ‘do something’ when faced with an insoluble fatal medical condition. As it turns out, most of the actions taken to extend a patient’s life at this stage only prolong their suffering and the dying process rather than prevent it. In the following sections, this essay will explore the role of autonomy in achieving a good death. Some of the advantages and shortcomings of adopting patient autonomy in the hospitals will be covered in comparison to medical paternalism, which is essentially the opposite of autonomy. In addition, the essay will look into the relationship between patient autonomy and the other three concepts of biomedical ethics as proposed by Beauchamp and Childress (2001). Finally, recommendations will be made based on the discussion of the role of patient autonomy in achieving a good death. According to the Institute of Medicine, a good death can be defined as â€Å"one that is free from avoidable death and suffering for patients, families and caregivers in

Immigration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Immigration - Essay Example The massive numbers of illegal aliens pouring across mainly the southern border has and continues to cause substantial economic, social and physical harms to legal citizens. These harms occur predominantly to those who are among the most vulnerable segments of the population: minorities, children and the poor. This discussion will examine the cause, effects and solutions to the immigration of Latin Americans to the U.S. The fundamental reason for the flood of immigration from Latin America, specifically Mexico, is the disintegration of the Mexican economy predominantly resulting from free-trade strategies employed by the North American Free Trade Agreement and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The rampant corruption within the Mexican government has also contributed significantly to the collapse of the Mexican economy. Due to IMF policies regarding Mexico, its economic output dropped 33 percent in the past two decades. During this period, its foreign debt rose 359 percent because of widespread looting of the national coffers. These factors caused the â€Å"collapse of all areas of productive economic activity and employment, is the primary driver of the flood of emigrants desperate to leave Mexico, to find some livelihood for themselves and their families in the United States† (Small, 2005). Throughout the history of America, people of differing ideologies have generally agreed on immigration controls. Public opinion polls have continually shown an overwhelming opposition to illegal immigration as well as for the concept of amnesty. The most persuasive rationale to be in opposition to this latest bill again does not respect the rule of law. Amnesty for illegal aliens is merely a reward for law-breaking and by whatever name, causes ever escalating future illegal immigration. â€Å"No system depending on a strict regard for the rule of law can treat law-breaking so casually† (Erler,