Harold Shipman
- Submitted by: DrDeery
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- Date Submitted: 03/27/2014 01:56 PM
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Case study: Dr Harold Shipman
An example of the elderly be euthanased for inheritance would be the case of Dr.H.Shipman. Harold Shipman was an English G.P who had problems regarding a morphine addiction. After leaving the rehab clinic Shipman opened his own GP surgery. After opening his own practice, he built a strong client base with elderly citizens. Often he was the only carer involved with his victims. It was due to this he often conditioned his clients to put him on their last will and testament. Once on the will, the elderly clients were of no significant use to Shipman, he often administered a lethal dose of morphine to end his patients lives. He often stated that his patients died of natural caused as he was the only expert to sign the death certificate. As it is not uncommon for elderly people to pass away without much warning, the death was not viewed as suspicious, hence no post mortem inquiries were conducted. Upon the request by the NHS to transfer all patient information to a computerised database, patterns started to emerge. After being reported to the police he was convicted of 16 life sentences. He hung himself in prison in 2004.
The Shipman case clearly shows that it is possible to euthanase someone in a society where it is illegal. This argues that it would be very easy to kill someone and state it was assisted suicide in a society where euthanasia is legal. Another anti-euthanasia argument raised is; what would be the restrictions and quality of care measurements imposed on doctors who are paid to kill?
An example of the elderly be euthanased for inheritance would be the case of Dr.H.Shipman. Harold Shipman was an English G.P who had problems regarding a morphine addiction. After leaving the rehab clinic Shipman opened his own GP surgery. After opening his own practice, he built a strong client base with elderly citizens. Often he was the only carer involved with his victims. It was due to this he often conditioned his clients to put him on their last will and testament. Once on the will, the elderly clients were of no significant use to Shipman, he often administered a lethal dose of morphine to end his patients lives. He often stated that his patients died of natural caused as he was the only expert to sign the death certificate. As it is not uncommon for elderly people to pass away without much warning, the death was not viewed as suspicious, hence no post mortem inquiries were conducted. Upon the request by the NHS to transfer all patient information to a computerised database, patterns started to emerge. After being reported to the police he was convicted of 16 life sentences. He hung himself in prison in 2004.
The Shipman case clearly shows that it is possible to euthanase someone in a society where it is illegal. This argues that it would be very easy to kill someone and state it was assisted suicide in a society where euthanasia is legal. Another anti-euthanasia argument raised is; what would be the restrictions and quality of care measurements imposed on doctors who are paid to kill?