The Case for Euthanasia Should PhysicianAssisted Suicide be Legalized
The Case for Euthanasia: Should Physician-Assisted Suicide be Legalized? Throughout the twentieth century, major scientific and medical advances have greatly enhanced the life expectancy of the average person. However, there are many instances where doctors can preserve life artificially. In these cases where the patient suffers from a terminal disease or remains in a "persistent vegetative state" or PVS from which they cannot voice their wishes for continuation or termination of life, the question becomes whether or not the patient has the freedom to choose whether or not to prolong their life even though it may consist of pain and suffering. In answer to this question, proponents of physician-assisted suicide, most notably, Dr. Jack Kevorkian, are of the opinion that not only should patients be able to abstain from treatment, but if they have a terminal and/or extremely painful condition, they should be able to seek out the assistance of a doctor in order to expedite their death with as little pain as possible. Contained herein are the arguments for and against the legalization of doctor-assisted suicide, as well as where the state courts stand in respect to this most delicate of issues.
The decision is thus left to the individual states. The right to doctor-assisted suicide, or active euthanasia, consists of, ". As to the other states, there is much controversy as to it's legalization. For example, in at least three of the assisted suicides which Dr. In the case of the nineteen states which have not delineated the criminality of doctor-assisted suicide, the issue becomes less clear. Kevorkian was involved in, all criminal charges were dismissed. The state also has an interest in the life of the individual. The American people are notoriously weary of it's implementation, as can be seen in the case of capital punishment. They often compare this choice of euthanasia to the right to abortion. The courts aim to protect doctors from civil suits, patients from doctor's advisory abuse, and the country's general policy of the sanctity of life. They also fear that the legalization of doctor-assisted suicide may be abused by doctors who do not feel that there is any hope for the patient and counsel them to terminate their life. In these states, special interest groups which support active euthanasia have placed initiatives on the ballot. With the Cruzan decision, the Supreme Court held that passive euthanasia was legal but only for competent adults or those who are incompetent but have previously procured a living will.
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