Question

The right to a "dignified death" include which ethical principle? Nonmaleficence Beneficence Human dignity Justice

Answer 1

The right to dignified death is an controversial issue all over the world in medical field. Beneficence and human dignity make possible citations against right to dignified death or euthanasia. Non maleficence is based on 'first do no harm' principle. The requirement to act in the best interest of the patient becomes complicated. For example, a physician writes a DO NOT RESUSCITATE order for a frail patient in the process of natural death. The physician in this case believe that a natural death will not actually harm the patient but is, instead good to be promoted, because a CPR would cause more harm than the death for the patient.  

But there are always disagreements over the ethical principals of patient care at each step.