Assissted Suicide
Assisted Suicide
Tadeáš Lenner
Northwood University
Economics of Public Policies
Dr. Edwin Moore
Spring 2013
Abstract
The greatest human freedom is to live, and die, according to one 's own desires and beliefs. The question whether an individual has the right to choose between these two has been debated for decades among physicians, politicians and philosophers. No right to suicide can be found in any social compact. The aforementioned question does not have a clear answer so this paper will provide arguments from both sides, describe the issues that need concern and provide specific details why this policy is inconsistent. Because opinions vary across cultures, this paper will be focused solely on describing the situation as it is presently in the United States of America.
Assisted suicide and euthanasia
It is important to differentiate these two terms since they stand for same principle.
Assisted suicide is where a PAD (Physician aid-in-dying) helps an individual to bring about his or her death by providing medication or equipment while euthanasia means that patient has to give consent (based on requirements) to the physician and he or she then terminates the life of the patient.
Policy analysis objective
As of right now, the situation in the policy arena regarding the issues of assisted suicide is leaning towards change. There are two main sides; one saying that an individual has the right to choose and influence his or her destiny, therefore assisted suicide should be legal in all fifty states. The other side claims that assisted suicide is a crime against humanity and is not ethical to end someone’s live even if asked for. In Christianity, being the major religion in the United States, any type of suicide is considered a grave sin, therefore it’s absolutely unacceptable.
The satisfactory and most important outcomes of this policy are to ensure that an individual has the ability to choose between options when life comes to an end. The
Tadeáš Lenner
Northwood University
Economics of Public Policies
Dr. Edwin Moore
Spring 2013
Abstract
The greatest human freedom is to live, and die, according to one 's own desires and beliefs. The question whether an individual has the right to choose between these two has been debated for decades among physicians, politicians and philosophers. No right to suicide can be found in any social compact. The aforementioned question does not have a clear answer so this paper will provide arguments from both sides, describe the issues that need concern and provide specific details why this policy is inconsistent. Because opinions vary across cultures, this paper will be focused solely on describing the situation as it is presently in the United States of America.
Assisted suicide and euthanasia
It is important to differentiate these two terms since they stand for same principle.
Assisted suicide is where a PAD (Physician aid-in-dying) helps an individual to bring about his or her death by providing medication or equipment while euthanasia means that patient has to give consent (based on requirements) to the physician and he or she then terminates the life of the patient.
Policy analysis objective
As of right now, the situation in the policy arena regarding the issues of assisted suicide is leaning towards change. There are two main sides; one saying that an individual has the right to choose and influence his or her destiny, therefore assisted suicide should be legal in all fifty states. The other side claims that assisted suicide is a crime against humanity and is not ethical to end someone’s live even if asked for. In Christianity, being the major religion in the United States, any type of suicide is considered a grave sin, therefore it’s absolutely unacceptable.
The satisfactory and most important outcomes of this policy are to ensure that an individual has the ability to choose between options when life comes to an end. The
References: Brandt, P. (2012). http://peterlbrandt.com. Retrieved March 15, 2013, from FACTOR: http://peterlbrandt.com/u-s-health-care-highest-in-the-world-in-cost-37th-in-performance-this-system-has-already-been-declared-guilty/ Campbell, C Chumley, C. (2013). Assisted suicide bills gain traction in 6 states. Retrieved March 15, 2013, from The Washington Times: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/feb/8/assisted-suicide-bills-gain-traction-6-states/ Johnson, D Marker, R. (2010). Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved March 15, 2013, from Patient’s Rights Council: http://www.patientsrightscouncil.org/site/frequently-asked-questions/ Washington, S Campbell, C. S. (1994). Oregon 's Fight over the Right to Die. The Hastings Center Report.