A Moral Crime
In the span of the last century, medical research has expanded greatly, providing new advances and cures for disease. One remedy, however, has been largely disputed amongst doctors and patients alike: the use of euthanasia, or assisted suicide. A highly controversial topic, assisted suicide is a “solution” that many patients with terminal illnesses take by having their doctor administer a lethal injection to put them to rest. Although this has sparked many arguments, assisted suicide should be legal in the United States when considering it is a solution for the terminally ill, a humane and respectful choice of death, and even legal in a number of European countries.
The use of assisted suicide and euthanasia first became a topic …show more content…
As said by Supreme Court Justice James Nelson, “Society does not have the right to strip a mentally competent, incurably ill individual of [their] inviolable human dignity when [they] seek aid in dying from [their] physician” (“Right to Die” 6). In contrast to the continuous pain and suffering they would have to face, terminally ill patients can choose a painless and decisive path in their lives. States that have legalized the Death with Dignity Act (allowing assisted suicide) also have various regulations that helps ensure the safety of people who wish to receive this treatment. Not only is there a 15 day wait requirement, the patient is also informed of all medical options that are available and must not have any conditions that impairs judgment (McKnight 3). These requirements makes the process humane and secure, ensuring that the patient is not suicidal but simply suffering from their illness with no other solution. Death with dignity simply provides a comforting option for patients who do not wish to continue suffering. The individual’s choice is to be respected, and many find a dignified end more appealing than continuing to receive assisted living as involvement of an outside party grows heavier with each …show more content…
allow assisted suicide, a time of reform comes for the United States and its medical treatments. In his article, “Euthanasia Expands in Europe,” Jonathan Luxmoore points out the fact that many countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium have taken steps to allow assisted suicide. Luxmoore states that the Assisted Dying Bill in Britain continues to receive support from its public, and Luxembourg has also legalized voluntary euthanasia. Throughout the world, many doctors consider assisted suicide to be a possible necessary solution, especially when some patients are given a limited life expectancy. In the Netherlands, the legalization led to open dialogue regarding the use of this solution. This enhanced the ability to detect depression, a few patients even choosing not to go through with the lethal dose after talking with their physician and getting the treatment they need. The legalization of assisted suicide provides an opportunity for patients to open up to their doctor. As the society of the world evolves with new ideas and laws, the United States must also consider the possible advancements it can make as a country. Furthermore, Oregon has experienced no abuses in the Death in Dignity Act since its legalization. Palliative care has even improved since that act was passed (McKnight 4). Positive changes that have risen from areas that allow assisted suicide point to possible benefits that the U.S. may
In the span of the last century, medical research has expanded greatly, providing new advances and cures for disease. One remedy, however, has been largely disputed amongst doctors and patients alike: the use of euthanasia, or assisted suicide. A highly controversial topic, assisted suicide is a “solution” that many patients with terminal illnesses take by having their doctor administer a lethal injection to put them to rest. Although this has sparked many arguments, assisted suicide should be legal in the United States when considering it is a solution for the terminally ill, a humane and respectful choice of death, and even legal in a number of European countries.
The use of assisted suicide and euthanasia first became a topic …show more content…
As said by Supreme Court Justice James Nelson, “Society does not have the right to strip a mentally competent, incurably ill individual of [their] inviolable human dignity when [they] seek aid in dying from [their] physician” (“Right to Die” 6). In contrast to the continuous pain and suffering they would have to face, terminally ill patients can choose a painless and decisive path in their lives. States that have legalized the Death with Dignity Act (allowing assisted suicide) also have various regulations that helps ensure the safety of people who wish to receive this treatment. Not only is there a 15 day wait requirement, the patient is also informed of all medical options that are available and must not have any conditions that impairs judgment (McKnight 3). These requirements makes the process humane and secure, ensuring that the patient is not suicidal but simply suffering from their illness with no other solution. Death with dignity simply provides a comforting option for patients who do not wish to continue suffering. The individual’s choice is to be respected, and many find a dignified end more appealing than continuing to receive assisted living as involvement of an outside party grows heavier with each …show more content…
allow assisted suicide, a time of reform comes for the United States and its medical treatments. In his article, “Euthanasia Expands in Europe,” Jonathan Luxmoore points out the fact that many countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium have taken steps to allow assisted suicide. Luxmoore states that the Assisted Dying Bill in Britain continues to receive support from its public, and Luxembourg has also legalized voluntary euthanasia. Throughout the world, many doctors consider assisted suicide to be a possible necessary solution, especially when some patients are given a limited life expectancy. In the Netherlands, the legalization led to open dialogue regarding the use of this solution. This enhanced the ability to detect depression, a few patients even choosing not to go through with the lethal dose after talking with their physician and getting the treatment they need. The legalization of assisted suicide provides an opportunity for patients to open up to their doctor. As the society of the world evolves with new ideas and laws, the United States must also consider the possible advancements it can make as a country. Furthermore, Oregon has experienced no abuses in the Death in Dignity Act since its legalization. Palliative care has even improved since that act was passed (McKnight 4). Positive changes that have risen from areas that allow assisted suicide point to possible benefits that the U.S. may