Question

how do the problems of paternalism and autonomy play out in the case of euthansisa? what about abortion? what about seat belt laws ?

Answer 1

Most of the time we do things that we are asked to do and only sometimes we do things that we like to do. This is because of the social norms and laws found in all the countries in order to moderate the behaviours for the benefits of all. There are norms and laws that are reinforced in order to deny the autonomy of people such as in the case of euthanasia and abortion. Seat belt laws are part of the safety protocol because it’s very obvious that the person might get hurt in the event of an accident if the person doesn’t wear seat belt. However, these norms and laws only undermine human autonomy and force things on them. For example, when one suffers from a terminal illness, it would be better to administer euthanasia if the person wishes to end the person’s life rather than keeping them alive through medications that would only make them suffer and endure pain. This would affect the quality of life because it would always keep one suffering. In the event of abortion, women’s autonomy should be respected and they should be given their rights to manage their own bodies. There are lots of women who are impregnated without their wish and this would mean that they should be given their rights to abortion because at the end of the day, they are going to carry the child for another ten months sacrificing all their regular activities.

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