The trouble with do-gooders: the example of suicide

J Med Ethics. 1997 Apr;23(2):108-15. doi: 10.1136/jme.23.2.108.

Abstract

This paper describes the concept of a do-gooder: a person who does unwanted good. It illustrates why doing-good is a problem and argues that patients should not be compelled to do what is best. It shows the ways in which doctors covertly do-good and offers a critique of these. The discussion focuses on the example of the treatment of patients who attempt suicide.

MeSH terms

  • Beneficence
  • Ethics, Medical
  • Euthanasia, Passive*
  • Humans
  • Jehovah's Witnesses
  • Paternalism*
  • Personal Autonomy*
  • Physician's Role
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Social Responsibility
  • Social Values
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Suicide, Attempted* / psychology
  • Treatment Refusal*