Death with Dignity

On November 1, 2014, Brittany Maynard died from a lethal dose of barbiturates. No this was not an overdose but physician prescribed available under Oregon’s death with dignity act. The Oregon Death with Dignity Act (ODDA) allows physicians in the state of Oregon to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to certain terminally ill patients with the knowledge that this medication will be used to hasten death. Brittany died peacefully “in the arms of her loved ones” said Sean Crowley, a spokesperson for the advocacy group Compassion and Choices. She was 29 years old. Maynard was diagnosed with brain cancer on New Year’s Day of this year and was told she had six months to live. Crowley said Maynard “suffered increasingly frequent and longer seizures, severe head and neck pain, and stroke-like symptoms. As symptoms grew more severe, she choose to abbreviate the dying process by taking the aid in dying medication she received months ago.” The debate over physician-assisted suicide is not new, but Maynard’s youth and vitality before she became ill brought the discussion to a younger generation. Her choice to end her life has not been without controversy. Some religious groups and others opposed to physician-assisted suicide have voiced objections. Janet Morana, executive director of the group Priests for Life, said in a statement after hearing of Maynard’s death: “We are saddened by the fact that this young woman gave up hope, and now our concern is for other people with terminal illnesses who may contemplate following her example. Our prayer is that these people will find the courage to live every day to the fullest until God calls them home. Brittany’s death was not a victory for a political cause. It was a tragedy, hastened by despair and aided by the culture of death invading our country.”
Individuals suffering from a terminal illness should have a right to die despite what some organizations, and law makers say. Oregon was the first U.S state to make it legal