Euthanasia, double effect, and proportionality

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Philosophy of Medicine

Background:

• The Principle of Double Effect (PDE) is a key ethical framework.
• Active voluntary euthanasia (a.v.e.) involves complex moral considerations regarding intent and outcome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the motivations behind active voluntary euthanasia (a.v.e.) using the Principle of Double Effect (PDE).
• To analyze whether death is the intended objective or a foreseen consequence in a.v.e.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of the Principle of Double Effect.
• Ethical examination of the intent versus outcome in active voluntary euthanasia.

Main Results:

• The primary objective of a.v.e. is argued to be the relief of suffering, not death itself.
• Death is considered a concomitant outcome, not the direct means, in a.v.e.
• The PDE's emphasis on proportionality is crucial for evaluating a.v.e.

Conclusions:

• Active voluntary euthanasia can be ethically justifiable when the relief of suffering is the primary aim and death is a proportional outcome.
• The PDE framework supports the moral consideration of a.v.e. under specific conditions of proportionality.