The Right To Die: A Discussion on Physician Assisted Suicide
The Right To Die: A Discussion on Physician Assisted Suicide
West Coast University
Abstract
This paper is a discussion of whether or not a person has the right to choose to die, also seen as death with dignity, or is this a matter to be decided by legislation? An important part of understanding the ideas presented within this context includes knowledge of the terminology that is used. Words that are commonly misused or misunderstood include autonomy, euthanasia (active and passive), physician assisted suicide (PAS), and physician assisted death (PAD). These terms are important aspects to both sides of the debate. The position that argues in favor of one’s right to die generally cites anecdotal evidence to make its point and counts Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act among one of the more successful models in support of the argument. The opponent’s arguments are rooted more along the lines of religious agendas and medical/ethical issues. The argument in favor of a persons right to die is a logical and persuasive one. It offers strong support by drawing parallels between things such as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and a persons right to choose not only life but death as well. Unfortunately this is not a black and white issue, it has no right or wrong answer and as such there will probably be no resolution anytime soon.
The Right To Die: A Discussion on Physician Assisted Suicide In the United States “death with dignity”, otherwise known as a persons right to die is only legal in a handful of states; Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont all have legislation to this effect. While it is a matter of great debate in the courts as to whether or not there is a constitutional right to die, “…the Supreme Court ruled that there is no protected ‘right to die’ under the due process or equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution” (Right to die, n.d.). It is an issue currently left up to each state to decide upon
West Coast University
Abstract
This paper is a discussion of whether or not a person has the right to choose to die, also seen as death with dignity, or is this a matter to be decided by legislation? An important part of understanding the ideas presented within this context includes knowledge of the terminology that is used. Words that are commonly misused or misunderstood include autonomy, euthanasia (active and passive), physician assisted suicide (PAS), and physician assisted death (PAD). These terms are important aspects to both sides of the debate. The position that argues in favor of one’s right to die generally cites anecdotal evidence to make its point and counts Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act among one of the more successful models in support of the argument. The opponent’s arguments are rooted more along the lines of religious agendas and medical/ethical issues. The argument in favor of a persons right to die is a logical and persuasive one. It offers strong support by drawing parallels between things such as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and a persons right to choose not only life but death as well. Unfortunately this is not a black and white issue, it has no right or wrong answer and as such there will probably be no resolution anytime soon.
The Right To Die: A Discussion on Physician Assisted Suicide In the United States “death with dignity”, otherwise known as a persons right to die is only legal in a handful of states; Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont all have legislation to this effect. While it is a matter of great debate in the courts as to whether or not there is a constitutional right to die, “…the Supreme Court ruled that there is no protected ‘right to die’ under the due process or equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution” (Right to die, n.d.). It is an issue currently left up to each state to decide upon
References: Beauchamp, T., Walters, L., Kahn, J., & Mastroianni, A. (2014). Contemporary issues in bioethics (8th ed.) Doyle B., (2004). American catholics, American culture: tradition & resistance. Steinfels MO: Sheed & Ward Egan, T. (1994, November 25). Suicide law placing Oregon on several uncharted paths. New York Times [New York], pp. A1, B14. Humphries, D., (1994, December 3) Oregon Health Authority. (2014). Retrieved from http://public.health.oregon.gov/Provider PartnerResources/EvaluationResearch/DeathwithDignityAct/Pages/oars.aspx The Huffington Post Online. (2009, August 7). Palin: Obama’s ‘death panel’ could kill my down syndrome baby Ward K., (2006). Differentiating assisted suicide and euthanasia. North country gazette. Retrieved from http://northcountrygazette.org/articles/030106Differentiating.html.