Edward and his wife Gretta have been married for 62years. Gretta was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was in her late 60s and was treated successfully. Recently, however, Gretta and Edward were told that the cancer had returned and had spread to her bones and brain.They have been told that medicine cannot offer them any hope of a cure and that comfort measures through hospice care are appropriate. Gretta cared for her mother in her mother's last weeks of life and has always been very clear that she did not to waste away, unaware of where she was or who was caring for her. Because of the rapidity with which her disease has progressed, she is no longer able to take action to end her own life. One morning, Edward goes to his wife, kisses her gently, and kills her by smothering her with a pillow. He then calls the police, tell them what he did, and waits for them to arrive. He states that he just couldn't let her suffer any longer. Which of the following best describes Edward's act?

Question

Edward and his wife Gretta have been married for 62years. Gretta was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was in her late 60s and was treated successfully. Recently, however, Gretta and Edward were told that the cancer had returned and had spread to her bones and brain.They have been told that medicine cannot offer them any hope of a cure and that comfort measures through hospice care are appropriate. Gretta cared for her mother in her mother's last weeks of life and has always been very clear that she did not to waste away, unaware of where she was or who was caring for her. Because of the rapidity with which her disease has progressed, she is no longer able to take action to end her own life. One morning, Edward goes to his wife, kisses her gently, and kills her by smothering her with a pillow. He then calls the police, tell them what he did, and waits for them to arrive. He states that he just couldn't let her suffer any longer. Which of the following best describes Edward's act?​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Edward's act of smothering his wife with a pillow to end her suffering is an example of active euthanasia, as he took an intentional action to end her life. It is important to note that active euthanasia is illegal in most countries, including the United States.

Edward and His Wife Gretta Have Been Married for 62years