Arguments Against Assisted Suicide

Assisted suicide is an issue that has prompted discussion on the “right to die” and whether or not it is an inherent right in the Constitution. Those against assisted suicide say those who assist should be incarcerated for murder and medical professional should have their licenses revoked and integrity questioned. They believe this goes against the Due Process Clause in the Constitution, stating citizens should not be “deprived of life. liberty, or property.” Proponents of assisted suicide argue that Due Process protects their rights to personal choice and should be an option for those who are terminally ill and suffering. The novel (and upcoming movie) “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes explores this debate.

Assisted suicide and its relation to the Due Process Clause was brought into question by the court decision of Washington v. Glucksberg, a case that argued the ban on assisted suicide was unconstitutional. The verdict said the right to assist in suicide is not a protected liberty in the Constitution because it would go against the innate government interest to protect life; thus it is not a “fundamental” right (Justia). Courts have to interpret the Due Process clause and determine what constitutes as assistance and define what the right to liberty include (Waimberg). Those against assisted suicide, believe it is humane to
After his death, there was a full investigation. Law enforcement had to determine if the family and Louisa would be held accountable for not convincing him to live. The family was pardoned because Will Traynor’s situation was deemed appropriate with “no evidence of mental illness, or of coercion” and his disability was “severe and incurable” (Moyes