Causal authorship and the equality principle: a defence of the acts/omissions distinction in euthanasia

Journal/Book: J Med Ethics. 2000; 26: British Med Assoc House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9Jr, England. British Med Journal Publ Group. 237-241.

Abstract: This paper defends the acts/omissions distinction which underpins the present law on euthanasia, from various criticisms (including from within the judiciary itself), and aims to show that it is supported by fundamental principles. After rejecting arguments that deny the coherence and/or legal relevance of the distinction, the discussion proceeds to focus an the causal relationship between the doctor and the patient's death in each case. Although previous analyses, challenging the casual efficacy of omissions generally, are shown to be deficient, it is argued that in certain cases of causing death by omission the causal authorship of the doctor lapses. The final part of the paper examines why this should be morally significant and proposes an answer in terms of the principle of equality Assuming all other factors are equal: the infringement of this principle provides an additional season against actively killing a patient, which is not present in cases of passively letting die.

Note: Article Stauch M, Nottingham Trent Univ, Dept Acad Legal Studies, Nottingham, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): euthanasia; acts and omissions; causation; respect for life; LAW

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