Death with Dignity
Autonomy is a fundamental right. Liberty interests of patients while coping with terminal illness, however, unlike autonomy, are protected under the Constitution as fundamental rights. Advancements in medicine are extending the average life expectancy for adults. The aging of the baby boomer generation is also contributing to the increase in the growing number of the elder population. As society ages, not only do individuals battle terminal illness, but they combat the unanticipated demands on their right to die with dignity. The ability to choose the timing of one’s death is limited to a few states in America. Additionally, there are a few countries now allowing physician assisted suicide. Even with this option, a patient must exercise advanced planning. Death with dignity is an increasing concern for all members of society.
Euthanasia is a term meaning good death in the Greek culture. It is “the actual practice of preparing oneself for a dignified death” (Kiraly, 2012, p.335). Historically, several cultural beliefs favored euthanasia. Roman gladiators were encouraged to fight to their death with honor and dignity in Europe. While in Asia, samurai warriors fought to their death or committed seppuku, an act of suicide by one’s own sword. This type of suicide was honorable in the Japanese culture. Christianity took the opposing view and deemed euthanasia a sin. In accordance with Old Testament Judaism and Christianity, “the ‘certain’ death springs from sin, and it is nothing else than the payment, the punishment for sin. Thus it cannot possibly be anything that should be made better or easier” (Kiraly, 2012, p.336). The views of Hippocrates, a Greek physician, aligned with those of Christianity, and were instrumental in curtailing views on euthanasia. He developed the Hippocratic Oath, still in practice today, regulating the medical behaviors towards death with dignity. Medical practitioners, serving as moral interpreters, help with avoiding the
Euthanasia is a term meaning good death in the Greek culture. It is “the actual practice of preparing oneself for a dignified death” (Kiraly, 2012, p.335). Historically, several cultural beliefs favored euthanasia. Roman gladiators were encouraged to fight to their death with honor and dignity in Europe. While in Asia, samurai warriors fought to their death or committed seppuku, an act of suicide by one’s own sword. This type of suicide was honorable in the Japanese culture. Christianity took the opposing view and deemed euthanasia a sin. In accordance with Old Testament Judaism and Christianity, “the ‘certain’ death springs from sin, and it is nothing else than the payment, the punishment for sin. Thus it cannot possibly be anything that should be made better or easier” (Kiraly, 2012, p.336). The views of Hippocrates, a Greek physician, aligned with those of Christianity, and were instrumental in curtailing views on euthanasia. He developed the Hippocratic Oath, still in practice today, regulating the medical behaviors towards death with dignity. Medical practitioners, serving as moral interpreters, help with avoiding the
References: Durante, C. (2009). Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Palliation: Re-Evaluating Ronald Lindsay 's Evaluation of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. American Journal Of Bioethics, 9(3), 28-29. doi:10.1080/15265160802654160 Gentzler, J Harmon, S. E., & Sethi, N. (2011). Preserving Life and Facilitating Death: What Role for Government after Haas v. Switzerland?. European Journal Of Health Law, 18(4), 355-364. doi:10.1163/157180911X590210 Kiraly, V. (2012). Euthanasia, Or Death Assisted to (Its) Dignity. Philobiblon: Transylvanian Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research In Humanities, 17(2), 335-356. Nelson, N Stutsman, E. (2013). Twenty Years of Living with Oregon Death with Dignity Act. Gpsolo, 30(4), 48-51 van Gennip, I