Proponents view expediting death as an action of merciful compassion in that it may be the only way to relieve intolerable suffering and to allow individuals to have control of their own lives (Pretzer, 2000). Although some argue it is unethical for doctors to actively assist in ending someone’s life, some also argue that not doing so in certain situations would actually be more unethical. I feel that doctors have the obligation to do no harm to patients, but to the best of their ability at all times. The supporters of physician- assisted interpret this to mean that physicians should do anything they can to keep patients out of prolonged pain and suffering (Battin, 1998). It is the duties and responsibility of a doctor to assist a dying patient in having a comfortable, easy death, which in some cases may call for physician-assisted suicide, assuming it is the patient’s wish.
Now if one is going through mild suffering that can eventually be cured, they should not end their life, even if they so desire to. That person does not have a “duty to die” (Hardwig 178). I agree with most of the perspectives of euthanasia from philosophers in this chapter, except John Hardwig. He does have some valid points, but some not so valid. I would like to point out one of his first statements, “the sacrifice of life is always greater than the burden of caring” (178).
Well, there are many debates about this practice. Some argue that it is ethical because it is argued on the grounds that physician assisted suicide is a rational choice for a person who is choosing to die to escape unbearable suffering. Even more, the physician’s duty to alleviate pain and suffering is justified by the act of providing assistance with suicide upon the patient’s request. Some have argued that this practice is unethical. They feel that physician assisted suicide conflicts with the duty of the physician to preserve life.
Physician assisted suicide (PAS) is the exact opposite of a physician’s professional duty. Physicians want to be looked at by society as a healer, not a killer. The oath is what keeps doctors from accepting PAS. They must do anything in their power to heal a patient and in no way will they lessen the amount of life
Does one have a right to physician-assisted suicide? Is it acceptable for a physician to end a terminally-ill patient’s suffering? One will discuss the reasons why physician-assisted suicide should be legalized for terminally-ill patients in the United States. Terminally-ill patients should be granted the basic human right to decide to end their life, when in a state of prolonged suffering. The act of euthanizing suffering animals is considered an act of human kindness in society, which should be extended to the terminally-ill as well.
Additionally, no one has directly asked sick, let alone terminally ill, patients whether having euthanasia or PAS available as an option would be reassuring (Emanuel, 1999). Therefore, just to know that they had the right to end their lives, even if they do not go through with the physician-assisted suicide, would be an extreme comfort to a
However, if a doctor or another individual assists in the suicide, it is then considered murder. Doctors are supposed to save lives, not take them. Society does not find that ending one’s life, whether personally or assisted, is acceptable. Doctor assisted suicide is one of the top most controversial issues in America (Ertlet, 2011). Dr. Jack Kevorkian was one of the most well-known physician-assisted suicide supporters in America.
The title “The merchant of death “ is successful in catch the reader’s attention. The idea of someone selling death is controversial and shocking, it draws you in to reading the article to find out what it is all about. The article is about Dr. Philip Nitschke and how he promotes and easy death. It also speaks about how some on the euthanized patients were not terminal but chose to follow Dr. Nitschke advice rather than seek treatment. The people involved were Dr. Philip Nitschke, palliative care expert Prof. David Kissane, Martha Alfonso-Bowes a bowel cancer patient, Peter Wiese cancer patient , Nancy Crick who was coached in killing herself by the Doctor and cancer suffer Lisette NIgot.
What is generally meant by the term euthanasia is mercy killing - the deliberate ending of a person's life to reduce their suffering. More commonly used today, however, is the phrase the "right to die." These are noble sounding words that literally mean that someone can request that a doctor kill him. In the terminology battle, the proponents of euthanasia are seeking to redefine what is now known as a form of homicide and call it acceptable medical practice. The debate is very much an ethical one.
This is giving the patient the complete and total option to end their life and also makes it so the doctor is not involved with the last part of the process. The Death with Dignity Act also protects the physicians and the pharmacists who act in compliance of the procedures stated, so that there is no way they can be sued for any civil or criminal charges. This gives the patient complete control of their own destiny and how they want their life to