- Published: September 13, 2022
- Updated: September 13, 2022
- University / College: University of Colorado Boulder
- Language: English
- Downloads: 18
Miracle meant a lot not only to her parents but also to the doctors who were in charge of her health. Despite her current deteriorating health condition and suffering, Miracle’s suffering might end in death. However, this depends on her family’s decision to either allow the doctors to withdraw her life-sustaining treatment or end life pre-maturely. Mill explicitly states that harms may include acts of omission as well as acts of commission. He gives an example of failing to rescue a drowning child and illustrates this as a harmful act. With regards to Miracle’s case, ending her life pre-maturely is tantamount to murder.
Though her life thereafter would be full of endless sufferings, subjecting Miracle to premature death that is not in accordance to her will is not recommendable. She may not be able to make decisions in her current state, but her future life may be of great significance not only to her but to other persons or families facing such a problem. When choosing the most moral action, virtue is in proportion to the number of people a particular action brings happiness too. The best action is the one that procures great happiness for the greatest numbers and the worst is one that causes the most misery. As such, terminating her life would bring such misery to her parents forever.
The idea of ending Miracle’s life prematurely would live to haunt her parents forever. The issue would seem similar to murder. Miracle should be allowed to live regardless of her condition. She may be suffering at present, but her future life remains a mystery and none can tell what is ahead of her. Though she will have to continue using the medication and regular check-ups in her later life, it is worth than having to be subjected to premature death. Miracle should be allowed to live until when she can make decisions on her own. Then she can either choose to have her life prematurely ended or else opt for a life of full time medication.
Nature has placed human beings under the governance of pain and pleasure. Individuals have the burden to point out the right action in such situations. In regards to Mill’s principle of utility, the best action was one that will tend not to augment or diminish the happiness of the parties involved and I this case, Miracle’s parents and the doctor involved. It is supposed to promote happiness. The doctor should ensure that Miracle receives treatment until the time when she can make her own decision. He should make sure that he has done the best in terms of medication and live the rest to nature. It would be better for her to face her death under normal conditions rather than prematurely induced death.