Legalizing Euthanasia in the United States
When we hear the term euthanasia our thoughts use to go to the beloved family pet; but now our thoughts may turn to our family or friends. When our loved ones reach the end of life stages would they choose the option of Euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide if it were an option? In the United States of America there are four states that have legalized physician-assisted suicide by legislation, and one by court ruling (5). However, euthanasia is currently illegal in the United States. Euthanasia should not be legalized in the United States it can lead to patient neglect, and could become a first choice in patient care.
In New York in 1828 the first know anti-euthanasia law in the United States was …show more content…
“In some of these countries they have extended the practice of euthanasia to newborns, children, and people with dementia, although the initial intent was to limit it as a last resort option for terminally ill patients. Terminal illness is no longer a prerequisite. In the Netherlands, euthanasia for anyone over the age of 70 who is “tired of living” is now being considered” (Pereira). Patients should have the right to choose their healthcare, and in most cases they do. Healthcare providers discuss our options and any course of treatment that would benefit our health. When will our options be taken away? In the Netherlands, 15% of physicians have stated concerns that economic pressure may prompt them to consider euthanasia for some of their patients; they have had a case already of a dying patient who was euthanized to free a hospital bed (Pereira). In our society we need to encourage care, not killing, and protect our loved ones.
Additionally, there is evidence that safeguards can be ineffective and that many of the patients who should not be euthanized or receive PAS are dying by those methods. Pereira states that “in the Netherlands, for every five people euthanized, one is euthanized without having given explicit consent” and “about 900 people annually are administered lethal substances without consent, and in one jurisdiction, about 50% of cases of euthanasia are not reported.” There is not an accurate number of cases, due to lack of reporting by physicians. This also is associated with the lack of consultation by a second
When we hear the term euthanasia our thoughts use to go to the beloved family pet; but now our thoughts may turn to our family or friends. When our loved ones reach the end of life stages would they choose the option of Euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide if it were an option? In the United States of America there are four states that have legalized physician-assisted suicide by legislation, and one by court ruling (5). However, euthanasia is currently illegal in the United States. Euthanasia should not be legalized in the United States it can lead to patient neglect, and could become a first choice in patient care.
In New York in 1828 the first know anti-euthanasia law in the United States was …show more content…
“In some of these countries they have extended the practice of euthanasia to newborns, children, and people with dementia, although the initial intent was to limit it as a last resort option for terminally ill patients. Terminal illness is no longer a prerequisite. In the Netherlands, euthanasia for anyone over the age of 70 who is “tired of living” is now being considered” (Pereira). Patients should have the right to choose their healthcare, and in most cases they do. Healthcare providers discuss our options and any course of treatment that would benefit our health. When will our options be taken away? In the Netherlands, 15% of physicians have stated concerns that economic pressure may prompt them to consider euthanasia for some of their patients; they have had a case already of a dying patient who was euthanized to free a hospital bed (Pereira). In our society we need to encourage care, not killing, and protect our loved ones.
Additionally, there is evidence that safeguards can be ineffective and that many of the patients who should not be euthanized or receive PAS are dying by those methods. Pereira states that “in the Netherlands, for every five people euthanized, one is euthanized without having given explicit consent” and “about 900 people annually are administered lethal substances without consent, and in one jurisdiction, about 50% of cases of euthanasia are not reported.” There is not an accurate number of cases, due to lack of reporting by physicians. This also is associated with the lack of consultation by a second