Euthanasia and the Ethics of a Doctor's Decisions

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Many doctors express profound concerns about the push to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide. Ole Hartling, drawing from his experience as a physician and ethics council president, introduces complex elements to this often oversimplified debate. He explores whether alleviating suffering means removing the sufferer and questions the reality of self-determination in dying. By sharing personal experiences and patient narratives, Hartling enriches the ethical discussions with insights from medical literature. His skeptical view on euthanasia respects differing opinions and is informed by the nuances of various practices. Written from a Scandinavian perspective, where autonomy and high-quality palliative care coexist, Hartling offers a nuanced contribution to a longstanding medical debate. He highlights how well-intentioned actions aimed at alleviating suffering can lead to deeper dilemmas, revealing the conflicts faced by clinicians and society when considering the end of life.