Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a long-term healthcare facility has made me question how we handle death for the terminally ill in the United States. Caring for and interacting with people that are in the final stages of life alters one’s personal view of death. In a way it removes fear and allows one to see the comfort and relief that death may bring to someone that is suffering.
Picture this; you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Out of desperation, and denial, you have spent precious time exhausting all of the available treatment options. There you are, lying in a hospital bed with numerous tubes and monitors attached to every orifice. The continuous beeping of the machines is a constant reminder that your body will soon succumb to the disease but not before it steals every ounce of dignity you once possessed. Your doctors just informed you that there is no hope for survival and death is imminent; it is only a question of when. The natural progression of the disease combined with the harsh side effects of drugs and surgeries have left you with no control over basic bodily functions and completely …show more content…
He said, “An assisted dying law would not result in more people dying, but in fewer people suffering.” Life is precious and we shouldn’t take it for granted, however there is something to be said about quality over quantity. No one can truly empathize with someone dying from a terminal illness, however I do think one can consider the situation and ask yourself what you would want if it were you. Physician-assisted suicide bills similar to Oregon’s Right to Die Act are either in legislation or will be on the ballot in 17 states during the 2016 election. If you also believe, PAS should be available to patients suffering from terminal illness then take action and vote or contact your state legislator and voice your opinion about
Picture this; you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Out of desperation, and denial, you have spent precious time exhausting all of the available treatment options. There you are, lying in a hospital bed with numerous tubes and monitors attached to every orifice. The continuous beeping of the machines is a constant reminder that your body will soon succumb to the disease but not before it steals every ounce of dignity you once possessed. Your doctors just informed you that there is no hope for survival and death is imminent; it is only a question of when. The natural progression of the disease combined with the harsh side effects of drugs and surgeries have left you with no control over basic bodily functions and completely …show more content…
He said, “An assisted dying law would not result in more people dying, but in fewer people suffering.” Life is precious and we shouldn’t take it for granted, however there is something to be said about quality over quantity. No one can truly empathize with someone dying from a terminal illness, however I do think one can consider the situation and ask yourself what you would want if it were you. Physician-assisted suicide bills similar to Oregon’s Right to Die Act are either in legislation or will be on the ballot in 17 states during the 2016 election. If you also believe, PAS should be available to patients suffering from terminal illness then take action and vote or contact your state legislator and voice your opinion about