The video by BBC Stories showcases the tragic case of Adam Maier-Clayton suffering from Somatic Symptom Disorder and pursuing a legal method to end his life. However, the recent bill C-14 implemented in Canada in 2016 allows for medically-assisted suicide only in case of incurable physical diseases (BBC Stories, 2017). Unfortunately for Adam, Somatic Symptom Disorder is not on the list of suitable sicknesses. As a result, Adam ended his life alone in a motel room to protect his family and friends from criminal prosecution (BBC Stories, 2017). This case demonstrated the current realities of medically assisted suicide in Canada and revealed the truth behind a large number of deaths among people with mental health complications.
In my opinion, Adam’s case qualifies for medical aid in dying, and his wish should have been granted. Nevertheless, I acknowledge the complexity of the issue and that death-with-dignity should be associated with certain restrictions and verification. Concerning the philosophical approach to the problem, I mostly agree with act utilitarianism. In general, this theory states that the right actions are those that achieve the best possible outcomes in a situation (Garcia, 2017). At the same time, the followers of the approach advocate that pleasure and the absence of pain are the two primary factors that define happiness (Garcia, 2017). From these considerations, act utilitarianism supports assisted suicide in case of incurable diseases since it would result in less pain for the subject and, therefore, maximizes their net good (Garcia, 2017). Consequently, it would also increase the ‘happiness’ of the family since they would not have to watch their loved person slowly dying from pain. Assisted suicide is also not detrimental to society as a whole because people suffering from incurable diseases are rarely productive. Ultimately, my perspective on death-with-dignity aligns with act utilitarianism.
References
BBC Stories. (2017). I have a mental illness, let me die – BBC Stories [Video File]. Web.
Garcia, G. (2017). Considerations regarding the ethical viability of voluntary active euthanasia. Sound Decision: An Undergraduate Bioethics Journal, 3(1), 1-12.