good death"; however, the word "euthanasia" is much more difficult to define.
Each person may define euthanasia differently. Who is to decide whether a death is
good or not? Is any form of death good? All of these questions can be answered
differently by each person. It is generally taken today to mean that act which a
health care professional carries out to help his/her patient achieve a good death.
Rational suicide has been the term used to described suicides in patients
with advanced disease. The term is, itself , controversial, and held by some to be
an oxymoron. Some argue that to make a rational decision about ending one's life,
a person must not be undul influence by overwhelming physical symptoms or
mental distrubances, such as a depressive illness. Give the complesixties of the
medical and psychological states of patients with the advanced disease, and the
dearth of trained health care professionals with expertise in the care of the dying.
Pain is one of the compelling factors that lead patients to request physician
assisted suicide and euthanasia. Uncontrolled symptoms, psychological distress and
existential suffering appear to be equally profound elements in patients suffering.
knowledge.(http://www.house.gov/judiciary/2167.htm)
There is a significant confusion between compassion and competence.
Suffering is defined as unrelievable, and physician assisted suicide and euthanasia
are considered the only compassionate response.
The public sees physician assisted suicide and euthanasia as the only
option, emphasizing the concepts of patient autonomy and physician beneficence.
The professional debate is evolving, with greater focus on the complexity of the
issues. There is a strong consensus that physicians remain inadquately trained to
care for the dying and deteered economically from providing humane,
compassionate care to this group of patients.
(http//www.house.go...