Process Theology and autonomy for cancer patients

Cancer patients often are the recipients of extremely paternalistic care from physicians and other health care professionals, raising ethical questions concerning such issues as informed consent, the right to refuse treatment, and the right to die with dignity. The conflict between the moral principles of paternalism and patient autonomy is examined in the first chapter and the conclusion is reached that a balancing of the two principles, with an appeal to the "Principle of Utility" is indicated. It is also determined that a new method of modeling the physician-patient relationship would be beneficial.

After examining the principles of Process Theology it is determined that the concepts found here would be applicable to the "Priestly Model" described by Robert Veatch, allowing for a larger degree of autonomy for cancer patients than would be expected to exist using the principles found in traditional theology. The ways in which the principles of Process Theology may be applied to the development of a new model of priestliness for the physician treating cancer patients are examined and the anticipated outcome of such treatment described.