Life, Liberty, and Death
Autor: Joshua • October 31, 2018 • 1,412 Words (6 Pages) • 501 Views
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because it reduces patients’ trust of doctors and doctors’ undivided commitment to the life and health of their patients.” (Anderson, 2015). I can understand people showing concern
LIFE, LIBERTY AND DEATH 4 for the problems that may arise if it is legalized. However, I still believe that it is a risk we must take; humanity comes before the law, in my opinion.
Having examined the basic constitutional rights and ethics behind euthanasia, I will explain the states laws that do allow PAS. Physician assisted death is now legal in five states: Oregon (1994), California (2016), DC (2016), Vermont (2013), and Washington (2008). Montana allows PAS with a court ruling. procon.org, a non-profit public charity, listed these facts: all legalized states require the patient be at least 18 years of age, state resident, have six months or less expected to live and deliver two oral demands-at least 15 days apart- and one written. The patient cannot be just suffering from depression; they must have a terminal illness. They are also required to see a physiatrist if the physician doesn’t believe the patient is of sound mind. Furthermore, the physician is required to inform his patient of other methods such as pain management and hospice.
World renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking, said it best, “we don’t let animals suffer, so why humans?” When put into those words, it seems common sense to do what is best to end pain and suffering. I believe it’s our duty as Americans to allow every person to do as they please with their life and that physician-assisted suicide is not ethically wrong. Laws are put into place to make sure the patient is truly in pain and in a sound state of mind to make such a huge decision.
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Work cited
Lowe, R. (2016 December 29 ).Assisted Death: Physician Support Continues to Grow. Web. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/873844
Anderson, R (2015 March 26). Physician-Assisted Suicide is Always Wrong. Web. Retrieved from http://www.newsweek.com/physician-assisted-suicide-always-wrong-317042
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