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Articles

Paternalism and the Law

Barbara Hands considers whether it is ever right for the law to limit your freedom of choice and action, for your own good.

Fred and Bob are a gay couple who have been together for 15 years. Fred is nearing death from AIDS, and his partner Bob is a doctor. Fred has asked Bob to relieve him of his misery now so that he does not have to be in pain and a burden to Bob for the next three months or so. Fred and Bob are aware of the law prohibiting physician-assisted suicide. They consider the law paternalistic and find themselves wrestling with the question of whether or not it is morally justified.

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