Suicide The Right to Die
The Right to Die, Physician-Assisted Suicide" I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect" -- The Hippocratic Oath Physician-Assisted suicide is one of the most controversial issues in our society today. During the 1990's, assisted suicide has become the subject of public debate and legislative action across the nation. Even the U.S Supreme Court has been involved in critical decisions involving the legalization of Physician-assisted suicide. These matters call into question the ethical standards and legal bases for all Doctors and Health Care Providers. The American Heritage Dictionary defines euthanasia as "the act of killing an individual for reasons considered to be merciful". Killing in this case is a physical action where one individual actively kills another. The word "euthanasia" comes from the Greek eu, "good" and thanatos, "death" or "good death". Doctor assisted-suicide can be considered auto-euthanasia. The Doctor provides the means for a patient to take their own life painlessly but does not actively or physically help that person die. Doctor assisted suicide is nothing new to society, dating back to the time Socra
Proponents argue that society should also sanction assisted suicide under the same conditions. It should also be the choice of the individual, and be made while they are of sound mind. This put a tremendous strain on the whole family and I am sure Uncle John would have chosen euthanasia if he had been given the option. Listed are just a few simplified issues from both sides of the debate. By applying these principles and through experience the medical profession will increase their understanding of assisted-suicide and begin to make the right choices. The principles of trust, justice, informed consent, confidentiality, and care serve as a basis for ethical caring. This is not to say that it should be used for just any ailment but only in the case where there is no chance for survival and the death comes slow and painfully. Bibliography ReferencesNLN Resolution #9Press Release. Court Unanimously Rules Against Doctor-Assisted SuicidesCarelli, Detroit Free Press, June 26, 1997Kevorkian's Moral Lapse in Right to Die. This also erodes the privacy of the provider/patient relationship, exposing both to criticism and attacks on personal safety similar to those involved in the acts of abortion. Doctor Kevorkian has assisted in over one hundred assisted suicides. Even though the Doctors' had given him all the pain medication needed to minimize his pain he still suffered by knowing that he was going to die.
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Acceptance Essays
