Following the recent passing of the “right to die” bill in California, euthanasia has become an increasingly debatable topic in the United States. Euthanasia, or also known as assisted suicide, or “ the Right to Die” is the act of medically ending someone or something’s life in a humane way. Only five states out of our nation, including California, have legalized assisted suicide. This controversial topic has been an issue for centuries all around the world. Citizens were swift to pick a “side”. Supporters believe that the wishes of the patient should be fulfilled if he or she wishes to die, while those opposed believe life should not be taken.
In 1938, the Euthanasia Society of America was formed. Although the first recorded attempt to get …show more content…
Jack Kevorkian is also commonly known as “ Dr. Death” has been a busy activist for the “Right to Die” movement. He defied the social norm by performing Euthanasia. His first patient was a teacher from Oregon who was suffering from Alzheimer's. On June 4th,1990, Dr. Kevorkian assisted Janet Adkins in her suicide in a Volkswagen van not too far from his house. Since then to till March 26th,1999, when Dr. Kevorkian was committed of second degree murder, he aided in euthanasia for over 130 patients. His reasoning for aiding all of these patients was to show, he believed assisted suicide was not a bad thing and that it was his duty to help these people that were suffering. Now there are 10 guidelines so that a patient's life is not ended when it did not need to be. “1. The patient must be terminally ill and expected to die within six months; mentally competent; fully informed about his or her diagnosis, prognosis, risks and alternatives, such as comfort care; and making a voluntary …show more content…
The patient is free to change his or her mind at any time.
7. There is a 15 day waiting period between the patient making the request and the doctor writing the prescription.
8. All information must be written down in the medical records.
9. Only people who normally live in Oregon may use the Act.
10. Mercy killing, lethal injection and active euthanasia are not permitted.” (citation to be made later). With all these guidelines in mind, Dr. Kevorkian did not follow these safeguards that states where Euthanasia is legal pout in place. Some view Dr. Kevorkian a hero while others believe him to be reckless.
Those opposed to Euthanasia see the process as morally wrong. The father of medicine Hippocrates makes an oath to his beliefs and for many years this oath was followed by most medically trained professionals.The oath states”To please no one will I prescribe a deadly drug nor give advice which may cause his death. Nor will I give a woman a pessary [device] to procure abortion.” (citation to be made later). People opposed of assisted suicide also believe it is wrong to put that kind of pressure on a doctor ; they believe the burden will be too much on the doctor's peace of
In 1938, the Euthanasia Society of America was formed. Although the first recorded attempt to get …show more content…
Jack Kevorkian is also commonly known as “ Dr. Death” has been a busy activist for the “Right to Die” movement. He defied the social norm by performing Euthanasia. His first patient was a teacher from Oregon who was suffering from Alzheimer's. On June 4th,1990, Dr. Kevorkian assisted Janet Adkins in her suicide in a Volkswagen van not too far from his house. Since then to till March 26th,1999, when Dr. Kevorkian was committed of second degree murder, he aided in euthanasia for over 130 patients. His reasoning for aiding all of these patients was to show, he believed assisted suicide was not a bad thing and that it was his duty to help these people that were suffering. Now there are 10 guidelines so that a patient's life is not ended when it did not need to be. “1. The patient must be terminally ill and expected to die within six months; mentally competent; fully informed about his or her diagnosis, prognosis, risks and alternatives, such as comfort care; and making a voluntary …show more content…
The patient is free to change his or her mind at any time.
7. There is a 15 day waiting period between the patient making the request and the doctor writing the prescription.
8. All information must be written down in the medical records.
9. Only people who normally live in Oregon may use the Act.
10. Mercy killing, lethal injection and active euthanasia are not permitted.” (citation to be made later). With all these guidelines in mind, Dr. Kevorkian did not follow these safeguards that states where Euthanasia is legal pout in place. Some view Dr. Kevorkian a hero while others believe him to be reckless.
Those opposed to Euthanasia see the process as morally wrong. The father of medicine Hippocrates makes an oath to his beliefs and for many years this oath was followed by most medically trained professionals.The oath states”To please no one will I prescribe a deadly drug nor give advice which may cause his death. Nor will I give a woman a pessary [device] to procure abortion.” (citation to be made later). People opposed of assisted suicide also believe it is wrong to put that kind of pressure on a doctor ; they believe the burden will be too much on the doctor's peace of