Ethan Remmel's View On Physician Assisted Suicide

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September 24, 2013 Euthanasia “I do not think of using the medication as suicide, and I don't think others should either. It would be part of a dying process that has already begun, not of my choice. It would be done in consultation with my family. It would be done to spare myself and my loved ones unnecessary suffering.” (Ethan Remmel) The preceding is an example of Ethan Remmel’s view on physician assisted suicide. Being a man living with terminal colon cancer, he wrote a blog on his decision to go through with assisted suicide. In reading his thoughts and opinions as he was slowly dying, it gives the reader a chance to see assisted suicide through the eyes of someone suffering, rather than through the eyes of an outsider, a lawmaker,…show more content…
In order to be eligible for euthanasia, the patient must have been diagnosed with only 6 months to live by at least 2 doctors, have a terminal illness, be at least 18 years or older, and be able to clearly communicate and voice their opinion. There are many other options that must be explained to the patient before euthanasia is carried out, such as opportunities with hospice care, other treatments, etc. (State By State Guide). Upon request of physician assisted suicide, the patient must then wait 17 or more days before the medication can be prescribed to…show more content…
They can then at least decide to die and retain some dignity in doing so, rather than dying as a shell of what they used to be. Ethan Remmel Ph.D. stated “If someone wishes to deny me that choice, it sounds to me like they are saying: I am willing to risk that your death will be slow and painful. Well, thanks a lot, that's brave of you” (Ethan Remmel). This quote shows how drastically different the views on euthanasia can be between someone living with the situation, and someone who just feels strongly about it one way or another. Though it is depressing to think of willingly letting someone kill themselves, it is even more agonizing to let them suffer and wilt away into being someone they weren’t before. Works Cited Hendin, Herbert, M.D., Foley, Kathleen, M.D.,White, Margot, J.D.. “Physician-Assisted Suicide: Reflections on Oregon’s First Case.” Nightingalealliance.org. n.p., n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2013. “Historical Timeline, History of Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide.” ProCon.org. ProCon.org, n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2013. “History.” Deathwithdignity.org. Death With Dignity National Center, n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2013. Remmel, Ethan. “Living While Dying.” Psychologytoday.com. Sussex Directories, Inc., 15 June 2011. Web. 28 Sept. 2013. “Step-By-Step Guide to Physician Assisted Suicide” ProCon.org. ProCon.org, n.d.

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