Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.

Non-maleficenceE.P .believes that the morphine may hasten Lola’s death thus she cannot

in good conscience, give the injection…Lola became very restless and unable to sleep and was on severe discomfort and was asking for the injection ,E.P. refused even with the pleading of her daughter.

• Conflict between patient’s autonomy and non-maleficence

• First do no harm• Death is considered to be a major harm to the

human being thus it is in conflict with the principle of non-maleficence.

“All persons are entitled to a dignified death in God’s own time, but directly killing patients or assisting their suicide is abhorrent irregardless of poor quality of life or survival expectancy.”

-The Linacre Institute of the Catholic Medical Association