Consider your conscious and unconscious biases in relationship to human rights in health care practice. Reflect on your actions and their consequences.
| The perspective of George on suffering and consideration for voluntary euthanasia may not align with my personal and professional values. As a physician, I understand and am tied to the principle that a physician should not kill or assist their patient in killing themselves but rather provide care and support that enables them to live and die a dignified death (Anderson, n.d.). If George chooses to undergo voluntary euthanasia, it may violate this professional take as well as the theological take and ethical views on physician-assisted euthanasia (Sulmasy, 2021). However, my take may be biased due to my take that the care I provide may reduce his suffering. Regardless of my view, I am expected to respect patient autonomy regardless of how their views differ from my personal and professional views. I can demonstrate respect for his perspectives through active listening and open communication, respect for cultural and religious views on life, respect for and appreciation of his decisions and desires after the diagnosis, and respect for the right to decide on the next steps in his life. Decisions about his own life. My actions will not only respect the principles of autonomy but also help provide more patient- and family-centered care. |