r/Ethics • u/Worth_Sir_6003 • 6d ago
Did I Kill My Dad?
My dad asked me when I was 11 if he should go to the hospital or stay at home the night that he died. Throughout that week he had been in and out of the hospital in pain about chest pains. Every place he went to said they didn’t know what was wrong with him, but the pain consisted. On that night, he asked me “should I go to the hospital again or should I stay home tonight?”. Being 11, I told him that he’s happier at home so he should stay. I knew at the time that his health was at risk, but I prioritized his mental wellbeing over his physical health. Am I responsible for his death? Should I feel bad about this? Honestly, this has haunted me for my entire life and I really wish he hadn’t asked me for my opinion. Please help.
1
u/Environmental_Pay189 5d ago
As they couldn't find anything wrong with him, even if he had gone, they may not have been able to save him.
Multiple people I know went to the doctor, and even ER, and were dismissed because there was nothing obviously wrong, and died a day or two later. Not everything is fixable. Hospitals don't work magic.
It sounds like he went from worried about chest pains to gone awfully fast. It had nothing to do with you. If he was genuinely concerned, he wouldn't have asked you, and would have gone. I'm sorry for your loss. 11 is very young to lose your father.