Evaluating the argument

Consider this hypothetical scenario:

Eva has always been a risk-taker. She never lets fear stop her from doing activities that look exciting or challenging. During a recent rock climbing trip, Eva made a dangerous choice and fell several stories. Unfortunately, she hit the ground before her partner could stop the fall. Although the medics managed to save Eva’s life, six months and many surgeries later, she is still in the ICU with catastrophic injuries to her spine and internal organs.

Since being brought out of her medically induced coma, Eva has gradually regained her alertness and cognitive abilities. However, these are usually dulled by the heavy doses of morphine given to moderate her otherwise debilitating pain. A week ago, her medical condition started deteriorating, and her doctors regretfully reported that they no longer saw much chance for recovery. They recommended that she transition to hospice care where her pain could continue to be managed for the remaining weeks of her life.

Eva has spent her moments of lucidity over the past week contemplating her options and discussing them with her family. She is disturbed at the prospect of living out these final weeks tormented by pain and suffering, unable to engage in anything like the activities that mattered the most to her and made her feel alive. And being loaded up with drugs doesn’t strike her as significantly better.

She’s now come to a decision—it’s not worth it to continue living in this miserable state, just waiting for the inevitable. She wants her doctor to provide her with a lethal dose of drugs, which she will then inject into her own feeding tube, ending her life on her own terms.

Now, take some time - by yourself or with others - to reflect openly, yet critically, on the various ethical considerations raised by this scenario, and determine where you stand on the following questions:

What do YOU think, and why?