06 September 2022
|
Story Rulanzen Martin
|
Photo Stephen Collett
Prof Stephen Walker is a professor of psychology in the Faculty of The Humanities at the UFS.
In his inaugural lecture on 22 August 2022 titled ‘How ought counselling psychologists to think about assisted dying?’
Professor Stephen Walker theorised a framework for counselling psychology to rethink its stance in respect of assisted dying. Assisted dying, or euthanasia – a controversial topic and practice – remains illegal
in South Africa, but has been decriminalised in several countries.
Prof Walker is a professor in the
Department of Psychology,
and his research interests are focused on applied ethics of professional psychology and research ethics in the social sciences.
“My aim is not to present a systematic moral thesis with respect to assisted dying. Nor am I going to call for a change in the codes of ethics for South African psychologists,” Prof Walker said as he introduced his lecture. His aim is rather
to sketch a framework in which counselling psychologists should review their thinking regarding the prohibition on assisted dying, and the morality thereof.
The stigma associated with assisted dying varies, and there are different sets of rules when individuals request assisted dying. “Different countries apply different criteria to physician-assisted suicide,” Prof Walker said.
Getting clarity on fundamental issues
To help his audience he highlighted the definition of what assisted dying/euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide is: The former is ending the life of a patient in which death is believed to be in the patient’s best interest, and the latter is
an action taken by a physician to enable a competent person to end their own life. “Based on this the question arises on what are the ethical grounds to justify the prohibition on assisted dying.”
He explained that when assisted dying is considered it is important to determine the following factors: whether the condition causing unbearable suffering has any reasonable means of alleviation available; whether the request is voluntary, informed and
considered; and whether the assisted dying is supported by a physician who autonomously agrees to it. “Legally-sanctioned assisted dying is available to individuals suffering from terminal illness resulting in permanent pain or incapacity in
several countries and territories,” Prof Walker noted.
Counselling psychology should re-examine its stance
Prof Walker, a qualified counselling psychologist himself, is of the opinion that the profession is well positioned to make a meaningful contribution to the discussion on assisted dying. “Counselling psychology claims to articulate its professional
identity primarily in terms of values, rather than in reference to certain theoretical orientations, distinct intervention methods,
specific client populations, or set outcomes,” Prof Walker wrote in his lecture summary
.
The value of life should be determined by counselling psychologists on the basis that primary consideration is given to an individual’s biographical life and not merely their biological state. As Prof Walker noted, “Once the primacy of biographical
life is accepted, it follows that rational individuals are positioned to make judgements regarding the anticipated value of continuing to live, or choosing to die… But even this does not determine whether counselling psychologists are positioned
to consider assisted dying for those who judge their lives no longer worth living to be morally objectionable.”
He reminded his audience that the basis of the argument for how counselling psychologists should think about assisted dying is not as straightforward as it might seem, and concluded by saying that “based on utilitarianism, deontology and indigenous
bioethics of personhood, it seems that a prima facie moral case cannot be made for a total prohibition on assisted dying”.
From the left; Prof Corli Witthuhn, Vice-Rector: Research and Internationalisation; Prof Stephen Walker; Prof Chitja Twala, Vice-dean: Faculty of The Humanities, and Dr Edwin du Plessis, Head of Department of Psychology. Photo: Stephen Collett.
Assisted dying in South Africa
Prof Walker also posed the question as to why it is necessary to have a discussion on assisted dying when the legal and professional situation appears to be clear. Assisted dying remains illegal in South Africa and according to the Health Professions Council of South Africa it is unethical for medical professionals to take part in the act. Back in 1998 the South African Law Commission sketched three possible options with respect to
assisted dying: First, the continuation of its illegal status; second, physician-assisted dying for terminally ill patients with unbearable suffering, with decision-making capacity resting with the physician; and third, physician-assisted dying for
terminally ill patients, with decision-making by a committee or panel.
“A
recent court ruling in SA suggests that the current prohibition on assisted dying could be met with
legal challenges based on constitutional grounds,” Prof Walker said. This court ruling might impact the way in which counselling psychology and the medical fraternity at large think about assisted dying and the prohibition thereof.
Watch recording video below: