Problem: A 46-year-old man comes to a clinic for a routine physical checkup as required by his insurance policy. He is diagnosed with a form of cancer that will likely result in death within six months. There is no known cure. Chemotherapy might extend his life a few extra months, but it will have side effects the physician does not believe are warranted in this case. The physician also believes that such therapy should be reserved for patients with a chance for recovery or remission. The patient has no symptoms. appears healthy, and plans to take a short vacation in a week
- Should the physician tell the patient what he has learned, or should he conceal it?
- The tells the patient. should he tel him about the chemotherapy and way he opposes it in this case?
- If he tells the patient, should he wait until after the vacation?
- Should the physician encourage every last effort to postpone death?
(Hint: If a scenario appears complicated, remember to follow these steps: (1) List the relevant facts (separating the irrelevant details from the central issues]. (2) Identify the precise moral question to be answered. (3) List and think about the moral principles that might be used to support the positions that could be taken. (4) Make and explain your decision [i.e., your morally permissible course of conduct]. (5) Justify your conclusions using positive reasons and ethical principles in support of your decision, anticipating and addressing contrary Mews.)