The Pros And Cons Of Physician Assisted Suicide

For many years now it has been a debating topic whether or not a dying patient has the right to die with the assistance of a physician. Some are for it because it’s seems morally right to respect the wishes of a patient, and others are against it because of religious reasons. The main concern for many is if it’s more acceptable for terminally ill patients that are in the final stages of their lives. Physicians are also torn on the issue, not knowing where it draws the line between dying, or killing. Euthanasia should be allowed for competent terminally ill patient to end their suffering, reduce financial issues for hospitals and families, and protect the rights of people in determining their own fate. Assisted death is presented in two different ways, one that is called physician-assisted “suicide” and voluntary active euthanasia. Both suggest a difference in the degree of involvement and behavior. Physician-assisted suicide includes making lethal means available to the patient to be used at a time of the patient’s own choosing. In contrast, voluntary active euthanasia includes the physician taking an active role in carrying out the patient’s request, which would include intravenous delivery of a lethal substance. Physician-assisted suicide is seen to be far easier emotionally for the physician than euthanasia, as …show more content…
For those who have the opportunity to survive an illness, medical technology has done just that. But for the terminally ill, it may just be prolonging the suffering. “Medicine is supposed to alleviate the suffering that a patient goes undergoes, yet it only gives them more pain and agony day after day” (De La Torre). There’s some illnesses that no drug can cure, and sometimes pain medication isn’t enough. Terminally ill patients should have the right to assisted suicide because it is in the best interest for them and is part of basic human