Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Religious Studies – Anthology
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Thus many doc tors fear that even a limited c hange in legislation would
bring about a profound c hange in soc iety’s attitude to euthanasia. By
removing legal barriers t o t he previously ‘unt hinkable’ and permit t ing
people t o be killed, soc iet y would open up new possibilit ies of ac t ion and
thus engender a frame of mind whereby some individuals might well feel
bound to explore fully the extent of these new options. Onc e previously
prohibited action becomes allowed, the argument goes, it may also come
to be seen as desirable – if not by oneself, then as something whic h might
be recommended. A soc ial environment whic h rec ognised the right to die,
we argue, would bring about a fundamental shift in soc ial attitudes to
deat h, illness, old age and disablement. It would enc ourage t he labelling
of people by group and result in some groups who presented problems
being seen as more expendable. It would also c hange the public view of
the profession in an irrevoc able way and undermine the trust that patients
have in doc tors.Medic al Et hic s T oday (1993). P.151.