Ten Safeguards for Life-Ending Decisions
by James Park

     We may claim the right-to-die in any of three forms:

(1) withdrawing or withholding medical treatments and life-supports,
(2) voluntary death—chosen rationally by the patient, or
(3) merciful death—chosen rationally by proxies for the patient.

    However, each of these life-ending decisions is open to abuse:

(1) premature withdrawal of life-supports,
(2) irrational suicide and manipulated or coerced death, or
(3) mercy killing.

    This small book proposes ten practical safeguards
to prevent abuse of the right-to-die
while permitting appropriate and reasonable decisions for death.
Basically the safeguards gather the considered opinions of the candidate,
the doctors, the family, & any ethical consultants who might be involved,
including members of the clergy.
Also there should be appropriate waiting periods, full reporting,
& the possibility of prosecution for those who cause premature death.


    Here are the ten specific safeguards:
 
1. Living Will and/or other Request for Death from the Candidate.

2. Psychological Consultant
        Certifies that the Candidate is Competent to Decide.

3. Doctor's Summary of Condition and Prognosis.

4. Independent Doctor Confirms the Condition and Prognosis.

5. Significant Others Agree with the Life-Ending Decision.

6. Member of the Clergy Approves the Life-Ending Decision.

7. Ethics Committee Reviews the Life-Ending Decision.

8. Criminal and Civil Penalties for Causing Premature Death.

9. Waiting Periods Before Death is Permitted.

10. Complete Reporting of all Material Facts.


 
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS:

AUTHOR: James Leonard Park
TITLE:  Ten Safeguards for Life-Ending Decisions
SUBTITLE:
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CALL NUMBER:
NUMBER OF PAGES: 26
SIZE: 8-1/2 inches high  X  5-1/2 inches wide  X  1/16 inch thick.
PUBLISHER: Existential Books
PUBLICATION DATE:  October 1995

BINDING: stapled chapbook
ISBN:
WEBSITE FOR THIS BOOK:
LIST PRICE:
WHOLESALE PRICE: $1

    This small book is only available by direct order from the author.
It will not be reprinted when the last few copies are sold.
This original list of 10 safeguards has now been expanded into 26 recommended safeguards:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/aws-website-jamesleonardpark---freelibrary-3puxk/SG-A-Z.html



Created January 7, 2008; Revised


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