Study Guide by Lisa H. Newton, Essay Example

The question of who’s life is it anyway, may taken lightly based on the general perception that the life of an individual can only belong to one or the related individual. However there are certain given scenarios when this answer cannot be considered to be the answer to the question. In the case that an individual is on an operating table and they are not in a state of mind in which they can make a rational decision, it will be up to a relative or a person whom the person has a relation with to make the decision for him or her. In that case, the person’s life cannot be considered theirs, as they are not in the right state of mind to make a decision based on their own health. (Newton 9)

In the case of medical intervention, the matter would be fairly controversial in certain cases. If society is unaware of the possible dangers of making certain decisions, it may result in the death of the related individual. However, there are circumstances where society must act in the best interest of the individual to ensure they may live to see another day. A case of an accident in which an individual has been removed from a water body (lake, river, swamp), a member of society will intervene and have to give them mouth to mouth so as to ensure they can regain consciousness. In some aspects society can intervene in the case of any age group; however, they must be familiar with and have a general understanding of their background (allergies, dislikes, previous ailments)so as to take the necessary steps to ensure their survival. (Newton 25)

In the case of the series, the nurse is meant to tend and monitor the progress of Betty in terms of her recovery. The mother was at the hospital for moral support, which is a significant factor as it gave Betty the support she needed so that she could recover. The nurse can be considered to be an advocate to Betty based on the fact that she is medially aware of the factors that can or cannot be administered to Betty, and she can suggest the necessary elements that will be needed for Betty’s recovery. Other individuals that can be considered t be advocates would be the doctor tending to Betty, as they can explain the possible factors that caused Betty to require being administered in the hospital. (Newton 36)

A physician would be in a position to consider an unborn child as a separate patient in the case that the mother of the unborn child may die from giving birth, or the mother is not in a position to make a decision based on her health or the fetus’ health. In such a case the unborn child will have to be treated as a separate patient.

J.S Mill and John Locke can be considered to be a revolutionary force with regards to the autonomy of both health and body. It was based on providing the element that privacy should be a factor should be observed so the element of privacy does not interfere with the livelihood of others. The decisions that an individual will make should affect or interfere with the general existence of other individuals.(Newton 78)

In such a case, the physician can consider his ‘hands-tied’ if the insurance policy of the patient blocks him or her from handling the patient. In such a case the physician is liable for a lawsuit and the repercussions of the lawsuit may result in the related individual losing their license to operate as a physician. They may provide solutions but he will not be in a position to directly operate or handle the patient.

Work Cited

Lisa Newton. Ethics in America: Source Reader, Princeton Hall. Print. 2003

Lisa Newton. Ethics in America: Study Guide, Princeton Hall. Print. 2003