Practical Ethics in Suicide: Research, Policy and Clinical Decision-Making

This book explores ethical paradigms in suicide research, prevention, practices, and policies, addressing challenges in the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide. It discusses moral dilemmas in rescue policies, ethical challenges in suicide research, civil and legal considerations, and similarities and differences with accessing medical assistance in dying. The discussion is grounded in contemporary debates, focusing on practical concerns of mental health professionals, helplines, researchers, policy makers, and programme planners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

When and how forcefully must we intervene to save a life, and when should we respect the will to die? This book presents alternative ethical paradigms to understand contemporary challenges in suicide research, prevention, practices, and policies, including challenges in the expanding legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide (medical assistance in dying). Drawing on case studies and philosophical approaches, the analysis focuses on decision-making when we are faced with questions about obligations to help and intervene in suicidal situations. Chapters cover moral dilemmas in rescue policies, ethical challenges in suicide research, civil and legal considerations, and similarities and differences with accessing medical assistance in dying. The discussion is grounded in contemporary debates, addressing important issues such as whether we should continue to hospitalize people to protect them from self-harm or control access to dangerous suicide content online? This book is unique in its focus on the practical concerns of mental health professionals, helplines, researchers, policy makers, and program planners who are faced with ethical challenges in suicidology and suicide prevention.

Introduction:
The issue of when and how forcefully we should intervene to save a life, and when we should respect the will to die, is complex and multifaceted. In contemporary society, we are faced with a range of ethical challenges related to suicide, including the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, the rise of suicide prevention programs, and the increasing availability of mental health services. This book aims to provide an alternative ethical framework to understand these challenges and to guide decision-making in suicide research, prevention, practices, and policies.

Alternative Ethical Paradigms:
The book presents three alternative ethical paradigms that can help us to navigate these ethical challenges. The first paradigm is based on the principle of autonomy, which emphasizes the right of individuals to make their own decisions about their lives and deaths. This paradigm suggests that we should respect the will of individuals to die, unless there are compelling reasons to intervene. The second paradigm is based on the principle of beneficence, which emphasizes the duty of individuals to act in the best interests of others. This paradigm suggests that we should intervene to save a life if there is a reasonable chance of success and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. The third paradigm is based on the principle of justice, which emphasizes the fair distribution of resources and the obligation to address social inequalities. This paradigm suggests that we should intervene to save a life if there is a disproportionate burden of suicide on certain groups or communities.

Case Studies and Philosophical Approaches:
The book includes case studies and philosophical approaches to illustrate the application of these alternative ethical paradigms. These case studies cover a range of topics, including suicide prevention programs, the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, and the ethical considerations of mental health professionals. The philosophical approaches include utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, which provide different frameworks for evaluating ethical decisions.

Moral Dilemmas in Rescue Policies:
One of the key ethical challenges in suicide research, prevention, and practices is the moral dilemma of rescue policies. This dilemma involves the question of whether we should intervene to save a life, even if it means overriding the wishes of the individual or placing a significant burden on society health care system. The book explores this dilemma through the lens of the principle of autonomy, beneficence, and justice.

Ethical Challenges in Suicide Research:
Another ethical challenge in suicide research is the issue of informed consent. In many cases, individuals who are suicidal may not be in a position to give informed consent to participate in research studies or receive mental health services. This raises questions about the ethical implications of research that involves vulnerable populations and the need for ethical guidelines and regulations to protect the rights and dignity of individuals.

Civil and Legal Considerations:
The legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide raises civil and legal considerations that need to be addressed. These considerations include questions about the definition of death, the criteria for eligibility, and the role of medical professionals in facilitating suicide. The book explores these considerations through the lens of the principle of autonomy, beneficence, and justice.

Similarities and Differences with Accessing Medical Assistance in Dying:
The book also compares and contrasts the ethical considerations of accessing medical assistance in dying with the ethical considerations of suicide prevention and intervention. This comparison highlights the similarities and differences between these two approaches and the challenges that they pose for mental health professionals, helplines, researchers, policy makers, and program planners.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides an alternative ethical framework to understand contemporary challenges in suicide research, prevention, practices, and policies. The three alternative ethical paradigms presented in the book offer different perspectives on the obligations of individuals, society, and the health care system to address the issue of suicide. By applying these paradigms to decision-making in suicide research, prevention, and practices, we can strive to create a more compassionate and just society that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 149 x 229 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009414906