Physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, and withdrawal of life support are the topics of a controversial discussion in the medical field. Many physicians do not believe in PAS because it is against their morals. The patient’s family may also advocate for end of life care, but that is ultimately the patient’s decision. There are now five states that participate in the Death with Dignity act within the United States. Physician assisted suicide is a highly controversial topic since it was first made legal 1997. To be eligible for PAS, the patient must meet strict qualifications.
Under the Death with Dignity Laws, a patient may be found eligible if they are 18 years of age or older, be a resident of Oregon, Washington, or Vermont, have the ability …show more content…
It is difficult to separate what is right for the patient and leave feelings out of it. Often, a person’s quality of life is considered when making these decisions. Those who are opposed to the legalization of PAS suggest that “proper” palliative care makes PAS unnecessary (al-Awamer, 1039-40). But palliative care can only do so much. It involves the treatment of symptoms and pain associated with a terminal illness to make an end of life more comfortable. Data from the Washington and Oregon death and dignity programs shows that 90% of patients are choosing PAS because they are afraid of loss of autonomy, 70% want to keep their dignity, and 52% want to remain independent (Loggers 1417-24). A request to hasten death does not equal a failure of palliative care. It is clear that pain is not the strongest motivator of PAS. A request to hasten death is comprised of many factors in response to fear and suffering. The patient wants to have the lethal medication as an option if the times comes. In the Washington and Oregon death and dignity programs, 40% of patients who received the prescription did not use the drugs. (Loggers
Under the Death with Dignity Laws, a patient may be found eligible if they are 18 years of age or older, be a resident of Oregon, Washington, or Vermont, have the ability …show more content…
It is difficult to separate what is right for the patient and leave feelings out of it. Often, a person’s quality of life is considered when making these decisions. Those who are opposed to the legalization of PAS suggest that “proper” palliative care makes PAS unnecessary (al-Awamer, 1039-40). But palliative care can only do so much. It involves the treatment of symptoms and pain associated with a terminal illness to make an end of life more comfortable. Data from the Washington and Oregon death and dignity programs shows that 90% of patients are choosing PAS because they are afraid of loss of autonomy, 70% want to keep their dignity, and 52% want to remain independent (Loggers 1417-24). A request to hasten death does not equal a failure of palliative care. It is clear that pain is not the strongest motivator of PAS. A request to hasten death is comprised of many factors in response to fear and suffering. The patient wants to have the lethal medication as an option if the times comes. In the Washington and Oregon death and dignity programs, 40% of patients who received the prescription did not use the drugs. (Loggers