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Is it suicide? D.N.R.

Thu, 2003-12-11 00:24 — The Nose

Question:

If there is a medical way to save a person's life, must it be explored? Is a "do not resuscitate" order the equivilant of suicide?

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Thu, 2004-01-22 10:36 — haRiojas

Situational Ethics are annoying

"Is it better to save life, or destroy life?" But then, what exactly are we saving or destroying? When is a "shell of a body" an empty shell? How does one judge the departing of the spirit from the body? Euthenaisia, which is essentially what a DNR does, is repugnant to me.

Especially in the case where the person can be saved medically, that avenue should be explored (but saved to what - perpetual comma; conscience life?). I think, for a Christian, release from this body would be most welcome, and in that sense, I must admit a DNR would be welcome to me. But for the unsaved? If there is a chance to keep them from death...

Thu, 2004-01-22 13:17 — The Nose

The question is for anyone.

Christian or unbeliever, the question still remains: is it suicide to choose DNR? On the one hand, it seems so, since medicine is so advanced we can keep people alive for long periods of time in hope that a cure or miracle will save them. However, the difference is that suicide is a prideful act, DNR is simply allowing "nature" to take its course.

I agree that euthenaisia is disgusting, but by DNR I mean a premeditated choice to not use extreme medical measures to preserve life, rather than using extreme medical measures to end it.