The right to die, to die with dignity, end of life choices, these statements and others make up a list of very controversial statements in the present day, but what do they mean? In years past to die meant that a person died at the end of the given time decided upon when the physical body has given out. It did not matter if it was an instant death like that of a massive heart attack or a long suffering death like that of a painful cancer. In recent years though, there has been the advent of patients/people taking on the role of deciding when their time should end on this Earth. That is to say, that a person that has a terminal painful cancer or a long suffering person in a vegetative state can choose to die before the body dies on its’ own, or leave their wishes stated in an advance directive to their family along with a do not resuscitate order to the doctor.
Whereas the quality of life is more important for some because when the body has deteriorated so much that death is a benefit (Right to Die, 2010). Without the quality of one’s life; one is merely surviving. Therefore, when the topic of right to die or assisted suicide comes up one tends to think about Dr. Jack Kevorkian, how one would choose to end their life, and one’s religious beliefs. Euthanasia Euthanasia has been practiced for centuries. However, it has recently become a major issue in the twentieth century (Wells, K.R.
End of Life Issues: The Right to Die By Michael Toliver PSY 357 Grand Canyon University April 23, 2011 End of Life Issues: The Right to Die In this paper, the student is asked to discuss what rights an individual has in regards to euthanasia, which includes both the active vs. passive types. The paper focuses around the different ethical issues, the writer’s opinion, and the laws of the state where he lives. Some of the main points come from theorists like Emanuel, Rachels, and the Bible. The researcher found that there is much controversy regarding euthanasia among the different states as well as individuals. To begin with, for several years there has been much controversy surrounding both the legal rights of a person, and the public attitude towards euthanasia.
Lee, M.D., Heidi D. Nelson, M.D., M.P.H., Virginia P. Tilden, R.N., D.N.Sc., Linda Ganzini, M.D., Terri A. Schmidt, M.D., and Susan W. Tolle, M.D. N Engl J Med 1996; 334:310-315February 1, 1996 DOI: 10.1056/NEJM19960201334050 Legal physician-assisted suicide in Oregon and The Netherlands: evidence concerning the impact on patients in vulnerable groups—another perspective on Oregon's data J Med Ethics 2011;37:3 171-174 Published Online First: 11 November 2010 Meier DE, Emmons C, Litke A, Wallenstein S, Morrison R. Characteristics of Patients Requesting and Receiving Physician-Assisted Death. Arch Intern Med.2003;163(13):1537-1542. doi:10.1001/archinte.163.13.1537. Timothy E. Quill and Jane Greenlaw, “Physician-Assisted Death,” in From Birth toDeath and Bench to Clinic: The Hastings Center Bioethics Briefing Book for Journalists, Policymakers, and Campaigns, ed. Mary Crowley (Garrison, NY: The Hastings Center, 2008),
Core Assessment Paper Physician Assisted Suicide Creates Perpetuates the Slippery Slope Argument Abstract Human illness, suffering and death, unfortunately, are part of the human condition, and dealing with chronic illness and death is part of the human experience. With a topic as far reaching as Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS), and, of course the root topic, death, it is understandable that much controversy exist between propends of suicide as a method to ease suffering and their opposition. This paper will address the controversy by presenting a balanced assessment of each argument. The research and findings will show trend predictions in the Slippery Slope argument have been proven factual. Keywords: Physician Assisted Suicide, Medical Ethics, Goals of Medicine, Slippery Slope, Sweden .
should physician assisted suicide be legalized? A current event Critical thinking and computer logic February 13, 2012 Should physician assisted suicide be legalized How to handle end of life care is a decision fraught with ethical, moral and legal issues that have plagued us for generations. End of life care is a uniquely personal journey that can only be experienced once. While many of us have witnessed, and even supported someone making the journey, we are an outsider who at best struggles for understanding and acceptance of what the dying person wants, and needs. On one side of the coin we have individuals who believe that your right to self determine is second to the sanctity of life.
Second, I will look at various arguments surrounding voluntary euthanasia, assessing the consequences of the outcome from each argument. I will then conclude, summing up the valid arguments that have been discussed. The term euthanasia comes from the Greek word ‘eu’ meaning good and ‘thanatos’ meaning death(Calder, 2012). Euthanasia can be defined as ‘the act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition as by lethal injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment’ (Dictionary, 2009). There are three main types of euthanasia.
Should Euthanasia or Physician-Assisted Suicide Be Legal? Dion O. Hales SOC120 Introduction to Ethics and Social Responsibility Prof. Theodore Framan June 22, 2012 Should Euthanasia or Physician-Assisted Suicide Be Legal? While killing yourself is harder than having someone do it for you is that killing yourself requires firmer resolve, Should euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide be legal? Because a patient's last will and last testament should be honored, a competent patient's request to terminate life-sustaining treatment, and it is our moral right to prevent a person from suffering if they suffer from a disease we cannot cure. First, Should euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide be legal?
Physician-assisted suicide as defined under the bill is the right to request lethal drugs by the “terminally-ill” who have only six-months to live. The so-called helpless patients then self-administer the drugs with the intent to end their lives. Physician-assisted suicide is more commonly known as doctor-assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia. The first problem with voluntary euthanasia is that it is biblically wrong. Psalm 71:9 states, “Do not cast me off when I am old, do not forsake me when my strength is gone,” and Proverbs 24:11, “Rescue those being led away to death, hold back those staggering towards slaughter.” Both of these state that we should do the opposite of voluntary euthanasia.
In Canada it has been illegal to “counsel, aid or abet a suicide” (Portland Press, 2012) with a maximum sentencing of 14 years. People argue that the constitution is infringing on the rights to life, liberty and security of persons. The issue in this article is concerned with a few people who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who are seeking the right to assisted suicide, or an “individual rights at the end of life” (Portland Press, 2012).