Ruggiero Analysis of Proponents
The primary argument of the proponents of active euthanasia is that everyone is autonomous and must be allowed to make their decisions without external influence (Sjöstrand et al. 225-30). Therefore, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) feel that while the patient may not be able to make sound decisions while in a vegetative state, such a right should not be taken away from them.
In line with the Ruggiero analysis, among the other ideals and values, the proponents’ altruism is evident. Altruism is the selfless regard and devotion for the needs of others while foregoing the needs of oneself. As a value, the altruists feel they have an obligation to protect and make others respect the autonomy of the patient. The option of euthanasia is a personal and family decision. On that note, after consulting the patient, if the family settles on ‘mercy killing,’ then their wishes should not be contravened whatsoever.
The consequences of considering euthanasia based on such a value and obligation include medical corruption that may lead to the unlawful killing of patients. In cases where the patient is terminally ill, the doctors are only involved in the last stage of the decision-making chain after the families of the patient have had their say. In such cases, due to factors like financial constraints, the family may secretly decide to end the life of the patient without the knowledge of the doctor. The sovereignty of the patient and their family allows the family, rather than the doctor, to make vital decisions on behalf of the patient even without including the doctor if they see it fit for their sick relative. While the physician will be acting on the wishes of the patient’s family, hoping that it comes from the patient, they will be illegally killing the patient (Pereira). Additionally, when the guardians of the patient feel they may not afford to meet the costs of palliative care, they may go to the unethical extents of bribing some estranged doctors to euthanize the patient against their wishes. While the latter scenario is rare, its probability cannot be overlooked.