The Need for the Legalization of Physician-Assisted Suicide

Throughout the course of history, advances in medical technology have prolonged the length of life and delayed death; however, terminal illnesses still exist and modern medicine is often unable to prevent death. Many people turn to a procedure known as Physician-Assisted suicide, a process by which a doctor aids in ending a terminally ill patient’s life. This procedure is painless and effective, allowing patients to control their death and alleviate unnecessary suffering. In spite of these benefits, Physician-Assisted suicide is illegal in many places both nationally and internationally. Despite the fact that Physician-Assisted suicide is opposed by many Americans and much of the world on ethical and moral grounds such as those based on†¦show more content†¦In Oregon, for example, the practice became legal in 1994 but many different lawsuits and court cases delayed the implementation of the law for years. Lawsuits blocked Oregons Death with Dignity Act for three yea rs after it was passed. (DOC: Assisted Suicide). Unfortunately, voter initiatives have often blocked the use of laws allowing Physician-Assisted suicide. Over time, many states have attempted to pass laws to make Physician-Assisted Suicide legal; however, these voter initiatives have failed to pass in almost every state, with the exceptions being Oregon, Montana, and Washington. (Suicide, Euthanasia, and Physician-Assisted Suicide). Further, these initiatives have been attempted many times, such as in California, but have failed to gather enough support. (Introduction to Assisted Suicide: Current Controversies). Nevertheless, the support for the legalization of Physician-Assisted Suicide is increasing across America and may become a more widely accepted practice in the near future. (Suicide, Euthanasia, and Physician-Assisted Suicide). While support for Physician-Assisted suicide is increasing, it is unlikely that the issue will become one decided by the federal government and will remain a state issue instead. This issue, however, is not unique to the United States; it is a controversial topic in many European nations. Many European nations allow assistedShow MoreRelatedEthical Considerations in Dealing with Changes in the Healthcare System929 Words   |  4 Pagesconsideration that creates controversial discussion is the subject of physician-assisted suicide. Physician-assisted suicide is described as the act in which a physician provides the means necessary for the client to perform the act of suicide. The issue of physician-assisted suicide is viewed through many different perspectives. The topic of physician-assisted suicide has been debated since the development of medicine. Physician-assisted suicide was first legalized in the United States in Oregon in 1997.Read MoreArgumentative Essay On Assisted Suicide1101 Words   |  5 PagesAssisted suicide is a topic that has ignited a severe debate due to the controversy that surrounds its implementation. Assisted suicide occurs when a patients expresses their intention to die and request a physician to assist them in the process. Some countries like Oregon, C anada, and Belgium have legalized the process terming it as an alternative to prolonged suffering for patients who are bound to die. Unlike euthanasia where a physician administers the process, assisted suicide requires thatRead MoreSince The Fifteen Century, Society Has Viewed Suicide Or1178 Words   |  5 PagesSince the fifteen century, society has viewed suicide or intentional death as immoral. It was not until the twentieth century that these â€Å"immoral† attitudes were challenged. As of 2016, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Colombia have unambiguously legalized direct assisted dying. Other areas, having to undergo a process of either a judicial or legislative decision, include Canada, Japan, and Germany. Currently in the United States, following the same process of a judicial or legislative processesRead MorePhysician Assisted Suicide Should Be Legalized1487 Words   |  6 Pagesthat physician assisted suicide should be legalized in the case of a chronic i llness, where the patient must take a large amount of drugs to heal themselves and or to subdue pain, and where the patient is living a life that is less fulfilling, or diluted, from their life before. Physician assisted suicide can be to patients who are suffering and wish to end their life, with the help of a physician so the patient could feel more comfortable or safer. As mentioned in class, physician assisted suicideRead MoreAssisted Suicide And The Death With Dignity Act803 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) occurs when a physician facilitates a patient’s death by providing the necessary means and/or information to enable the patient to perform the life-ending act (e.g. the physician provides sleeping pills and information about the lethal dose, while aware that the patient may commit suicide). [Carter, 2015]. According to Death with Dignity.org, Oregon, New Mexico, Vermont, Washington and California along with Montana who administrated the Death with DignityRead MorePros And Cons Of Assisted Suicide1743 Words   |  7 PagesWhat is assisted suicide? Merriam-Webster lists assisted suicide as â€Å"suicide committed by someone with assistance from another† (Assisted Suicide, n.d.). Particularly by a licensed health care provider/physician willing to participate and authorized by the state. The physician will assist with, in administering an approved prescription drug and a lethal dosage. Assisted suicide acts upon the legal request and appr oval of state law and patient request for the reasons of a terminal condition in orderRead MorePersuasive Speech : Physician Assisted Suicide1308 Words   |  6 PagesCheyenne Jamison 4/19/17 Persuasive Speech Outline Topic: Physician Assisted Suicide Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience to favor the legalization of Physician Assisted Suicide. Thesis: Physician Assisted Suicide is sometimes misunderstood due to how it is termed, but this is something that needs to be deeply evaluated and legalized in all 50 states. I. Introduction: A. Attention Material/Credibility Material: The John Hopkins News-Letter said in 2014 â€Å"What would you do if you only hadRead MoreThe Ethics of Euthanasia Essay1742 Words   |  7 Pagesmisery, however in the state of North Carolina, physician-assisted suicide is illegal. Luckily, her father passed away this year and is finally free of pain and suffering. However, if physician-assisted suicide was legal, her father would not have had to suffer as long as he did. Before we explore the sides of physician-assisted suicide, let’s go over exactly what physician-assisted suicide entails. When the topic of physician-assisted suicide comes up, many individuals believe it is the sameRead MoreLegalizing Assistive Suicide1278 Words   |  5 PagesAssistive suicide, also known as euthanasia, â€Å"is suicide committed by someone with assistance from others, typically to end suffering from a severe physical illness† (American Heritage Dictionary, 615). This action is most commonly committed between doctor and patient interactions. This controversial issue depicts suicides as a helpful solution to personally benefit terminally ill patients, as opposed to a forbidden social issue. Assistive suicide has become a major debate of legalization. â€Å"This isRead MoreEuthanasia And Assisted Suicide Should Be Legalized Essay1221 Words   |  5 Pagesco-authors of â€Å" Why active euthanasia and physician assisted suicide should be legalized † suggest that active euthanasia should be legalized because it can end a patient’s suffering, there is not much of a difference between the passive and active euthanasia, and it gives the patient a choice. In the article,â€Å"Why active euthanasia and physician assisted suicide should be legalized†, Len and Lesley Doyal argue that active euthanasia and physician assisted suicide should be legal in medical practices;