Physician Assisted Death

Physician-Assisted Death: The Right to Die A middle-aged woman lies in a hospital bed, dying of cancer. Her family sits around her, watching her struggle through the pain. She’d withdrawn from chemo and treatments months ago, and the pain medications no longer worked. The only thing left for her now was death, which would not come swiftly. Everyone watching longed for an end to their loved one’s suffering, wishing that there was a more immediate solution to her pain. No one realized that there was another option, an option that would bring their loved one peace, an option that would end the pain, physician-assisted death. This sad story is the reality for so many terminally ill patients as they near the end of their lives, and it is no secret that there are few solutions to the pain and suffering that they must endure. Physician-assisted death is the most immediate and peaceful solution for many terminally patients, however its availability is almost nonexistent. For those suffering with terminal illnesses or degenerative diseases deserve a better way to end their suffering. Because it is the most rational, controlled, and humane option for terminally ill patients, physician-assisted death …show more content…
Many patients end their own lives by committing suicide, as it is no longer a criminal act in America. However, most patients are put off because of how violent it can be. For patients seeking a peaceful exit out of life, the only option is physician-assisted death, but this can be a problem for them. Physician-assisted death is only legal in two states, Oregon and Washington (Ball). This gives patients almost zero access to the option they so desperately seek, which forces many patients to get creative, like california native, Brittany Maynard, who moved to Oregon so she could have access to physician-assisted