Responses
Original Article
Two challenges to the double effect doctrine: euthanasia and abortion
Compose a Response to This Article
Other responses
Jump to comment:
- Published on: 18 May 2017
- Published on: 18 May 2017Defending double effectShow More
Dear Editor
Dr Shaw makes some interesting points in discussing the doctrine of double effect.[1] However, I am unsure as to the validity of his conclusions. He states that the doctrine "permuits the use of drugs which relieve the distress of dying, evene when they hasten death." However, if opiates are in mind here, then the dose could and should be closely monitored - up or down - to fully palliate pain. They do...
Conflict of Interest:
None declared.
Other content recommended for you
- Double effect: a useful rule that alone cannot justify hastening death
- Response to Ronald M Perkin and David B Resnik: The agony of trying to match sanctity of life and patient-centred medical care
- Embryo loss and double effect
- Further clarity on cooperation and morality
- The role of the principle of double effect in ethics education at US medical schools and its potential impact on pain management at the end of life
- Does the doctrine of double effect apply to the prescription of barbiturates? Syme vs the Medical Board of Australia
- Can facilitated aid in dying be permitted by ‘double effect’? Some reflections from a recent New Zealand case
- The agony of agonal respiration: is the last gasp necessary?
- Euthanasia, efficiency, and the historical distinction between killing a patient and allowing a patient to die
- End of life decision-making in neonatal care