You work at a clinic located in the state of Oregon. As your practice is located on the border with Washington your practice also operates a clinic in that state. Sarah, a long time patient at your practice lives in Washington and is seen at both locations of the practice. She was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago and has been cancer free for the last 12 years. Recently she has developed some concerning symptoms and has undergone several tests. Today she was informed that the results of those tests show that she has Stage IV metastatic breast cancer that has spread to her bones. Sarah is 86 years old and has always been active and positive. After receiving the news from the provider and learning about the treatment options Sarah leaves the office to consider her next step. The provider has informed Sarah that her condition is terminal and she will have 6-8 months to live. Sarah calls the next day to state that she has decided not to pursue any further treatment and asks if the provider will provide her with the means to end her life when the disease progresses to becoming unbearable for her.
1) Is euthanasia legal in Oregon and/or Washington? (1 point)
2) List one country that considers euthanasia legal and provide the date it became effective. (2 points)
3) As a medical assistant how do you respond to Sarah's phone call and request? (5 points)
4) Thinking about the ethics of euthanasia (do not consider legal/illegal considerations) explain your position, pro, con, neutral and why. (10 points)