Death is one of the controversial and feared issues in society. It is worth noting that death part of uncertainties in life that all human beings will go through. There are broad and complex beliefs about death in society. Beliefs about death and dying are based on religious, individual, and cultural ideologies. Death and dying is a process that is inevitable. Dealing with the death of loved one is associated with spiritual inquiry and thoughts. Ethics influence the way individuals, religions, and cultures define death and dying. The meaning of life pertains the importance of human existence. The meaning of life is mostly derived from a religious and philosophical contemplation. It is believed that every individual has a purpose of life, and they are obliged to fulfill their purpose before they die. The quality of life is determined by the life individual live. There are medical issues that dictated whether or not individuals are alive.
Ethics if death and dying are mostly left to individual choices and free will that is confined within the legal framework. Notably, the issue of dying and death goes beyond medical treatment, legal framework and health care. The ethics of dying affect both the death and living because it entails aspects of theology and philosophy. Ethics of death and dying to affect the quality of life, psychological suffering, and dignity of the dying, as well as the psychology of the living. The decision to die should be made when an individual is in a stable state of mind and communicated to other people (Corr et al. 38). This assists the living in ensuring that the wishes of a dying person are fulfilled. Some of the decisions that are made easy include a living will, resuscitate order, advance directive, as well as medical power of attorney.
The treatment of body after death is another critical aspect of death and dying in most cultures. There are cultures that believe a dead body is useless and does not deserve respect nor reverence. Others who believe in Christianity assert that a body is the creation of God whether death or alive. Therefore, they treat the dead with respect and dignity (Youngner 65). On the same note, burial rites, cremation organ donation, as well as autopsy are critical issues, which are focused after death. Religion, culture, as well as traditions play an imperative role in how a body is treated after death. Ethical issues regarding death and dying should be considered too when focusing on meeting the demands and dignity of the dead.
Medical treatment is important for the health and life of individuals. There are several medical treatments that is streamlined towards enhancing the quality of health and life. Individuals have the responsibility to make decisions concerning their medical treatment. Ethics on medical treatment are streamlined towards protecting the patient. It is worth noting that medical practitioners are expected to be responsible for their patients. Also, medical practitioners are supposed to respect human rights and dignity and preserve the life of individuals in society. Medical treatment is affected by advance directive such as a living will. This is because the directive grants an individual the power to make decisions regarding future care. This directive is authorized by the law in several states.
Medical treatment is governed by a legal framework that guides the individual decisions and physicians. The patients have the freedom and right to refuse medical treatment. Also, consent is sought from the patient for all medical treatments. Individuals can refuse or accept medical treatments. There are situations whereby medical treatment is withheld or withdrawn. Notably, removal of medical treatments is not assisted suicide.
Assisted suicide is one of the ethical issues that is streamlined towards death and dying. This refers to suicide that is aided by a physician. The physician provides the patient with knowledge and means to commit suicide. Assisted suicide is carried out to end suffering by assisting individual to die (Corr et al. 16). It is argued that assisted suicide is a rational choice that is made by a dying person who focuses at escaping suffering and pain at death. Another reason that justifies assisted suicide is the fact that it alleviates pain and suffering of a dying person, especially those with a terminal illness. A competent individual has the right to make rational decisions about their death.
Patient’s rights and the rights of a nurse should be adhered to on issues of death and dying. Patients have the right to make a decision regarding care and to die in dignity and peace. Also, a patient has the right to expects sanctity of human body and respect after their death. Despite their conditions patients have the right to receive nursing and medical attention. The nurses also have the right to care for the patients. The nurses have to advocate for their priorities, agenda, and values.
In the general perspective, death and dying are one of the inevitable processes in life. The perceptions and beliefs about death are guided by religious, traditional and cultural practices. The patients have the right to make a decision on whether to undertake medication or end life. Ethics influence the way individuals, religions, and cultures define death and dying.
Works Cited
Corr, Charles A, Donna M. Corr, and Tashel C. Bordere. Death & Dying, Life & Living. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2013. Print.
Youngner, Stuart J. The Definition of Death: Contemporary Controversies. JHU Press, 2002. Print.
