Ohio University Public Statement on Physician Assisted Suicide Memorandum Still one of the most divisive issues in medical ethics, physician assisted suici

Ohio University Public Statement on Physician Assisted Suicide Memorandum Still one of the most divisive issues in medical ethics, physician
assisted suicide is an example case study to examine the wide ranging
impact of health care policy amongst a variety of stakeholders. You will be working in small groups for this assignment. In your state, the public has voted in a reasonably majority (75%
in favor) to adopt a new law permitting physician assisted suicide, very
similar to the law in Oregon. Your hospital is a Catholic institution,
funded by area Catholic churches and charities, and these organizations
condemn the practice of PAS as violating the fundamental tenets to
respect and protect life. The hospital’s mission statement says that it
is “Dedicated to providing compassionate care, particularly for the poor
and vulnerable, with a commitment to sanctity of life and the provision
of the highest quality and innovation.” Your board of trustees (BOT) is divided on whether to come out and
condemn the practice of PAS. While PAS will certainly not be offered in
your hospital, half of the BOT feels that a public condemnation is
necessary to express the hospital’s views on the issue. The other half
feels that such action is inappropriate and could alienate patients,
community members, as well as employees and physicians who do not share
the same values as the hospital. You are part of a small team of health care executives working in
different areas of the hospital. You have been compelled by the BOT to
brief them on the issue of whether the hospital should make a public
statement on physician assisted suicide and, if so, what it should
say/consider. Draft a memo of no more than 500 words to the BOT that: Suggests whether you should make a public statement and, if so,
what it might say (alternatively if you will not make a statement, then
explain why). Consider Brittany Maynard’s statement and other readings
from this week that help to describe patient, political, ethical and
other stances on the issue.