Physician Assisted Suicide Case Studies

The word suicide gives many people negative feelings and is a socially taboo subject. However, suicide might be beneficial to terminally ill patients. Physician- assisted suicide has been one of the most controversial modern topics. Many wonder if it is morally correct to put a terminally ill patient out of their misery. Physicians should be able to meet the requests of their terminally ill patients. Unfortunately, a physician can be doing more harm by keeping someone alive instead of letting them die peacefully. For example, an assisted suicide can bring comfort to patients. These patients are in excruciating pain and will eventually perish. The government should not be involved in such a personal decision. A physician- assisted suicide comes with many benefits for the patient. If a person is terminally ill and wants a physician assisted suicide, then they should receive one.

B. It is important to take into consideration what the person desires. Although it may seem too extreme to end your life, we are not feeling what the ill person is feeling so we cannot judge their decisions.

IV. Some would say that there are religious issues with suicide, but according to “Clarifying Christianity” the Bible speaks in Exodus (20) verse 1-17 that we should not murder. That is often taken out of context and one cannot simply murder their own self.

A. Restatement of Thesis: Overall with current situations happening around the world Euthanasia and Assisted suicide has become a very controversial topic, however there are many interpretations that should be looked upon before deciding that huge decision.

According to Paul J. van der Wal et al. in ¨Euthanasia, Physician-Assisted Suicide, and Other Medical Practices Involving the End of Life in the Netherlands, 1990–1995¨, he addresses that assisted suicide should be legal and regulated. The authors’ purpose of writing this journal article is to make reliable estimates of euthanasia; to describe patients and physicians, and to evaluate changes between 1990 and 1995. Even though assisted suicide is a growing taboo, it is being practiced more each and every day. Paul J. van der Wal et al. chose to conduct two studies to answer their hypotheses.

1. (problem – PAS): In today’s society, Physician Assisted Suicide is one of the most questionable and debatable issues. Many people feel that it is wrong for people to ask their doctor to help them end their life; while others feel it is their right to choose between the right to life and the right to death. “Suffering has always been a part of human existence.” (PAS) “Physicians have no similar duty to provide actions, such as assistance in suicide, simply because they have been requested by patients. In deciding how to respond to patients ' requests, physicians should use their judgment about the medical appropriateness of the request.” (Bernat, JL) Physician Assisted Suicide differs from withholding or discontinuing medical treatment, it consists of doctors providing a competent patient with a prescription for medication to aid in the use to end their life.

The three main stakeholders in this issue are the physician, the patient, and the patient’s loved ones. Neither the American Medical Association (AMA) nor the American College of Physicians (ACP) do not officially support physician-assisted suicide because they do not view it as attuned with

Thesis: When it comes to the topic of physician-assisted suicide (PAS), some experts believe that an individual should have the option of ending their life in the event that they have been given six months to live with a terminal illness or when the quality of their life has been vastly changed. Where this argument usually ends, however, is on the question whether physician-assisted suicide is medically ethical, would be overly abused to the point where doctors might start killing patients without their consent. Whereas some experts are convinced that just improving palliative care would decrease the need for someone to want to end their life before it happened naturally.

In many cases, people with illnesses and disabilities would be poorly informed about their conditions and their future prospects. Doctors can easily misinform a patient thinking that the only option for them is death. Therefore, the decision to engage in assisted suicide could not be made rationally.

Autonomy emphasizes on patients desires and demand. Physician-assisted suicide goes against the moral law to kill oneself in instances when continued living produces more pain than satisfaction. On maters ethics physician assisted suicide is supported by the autonomy principle. However, physicians should make efforts in assisting patients to understand the medical options in their hands as well as to ensure that patients undergo full psychological analysis in the event they request for physician-assisted suicide. Mental depression resulting from long term suffering due to diseases or a spiritual crisis might cause patient to request for physician-assisted suicide. Patient empowerment, by both family members and physicians, plays a vital role when considering undertaking patient assisted suicide by informing them about the implications of their decisions.

     Assisted suicide is one of the most controversial topics discussed among people every day. Everyone has his or her own opinion on this topic. This is a socially debated topic that above all else involves someone making a choice, whether it be to continue with life or give up hope and die. This should be a choice that they make themselves. However, In the United States, The land of the free, only one state has legalized assisted suicide. I am for assisted suicide and euthanasia. This paper will support my many feelings on this subject.

When discussing euthanasia, a clear distinction should be made between suicide and physician-assisted suicide.  Suicide is when an individual intentionally ends their life.  This occurs with a person who is emotionally and mentally unstable, but they can be treated for their instability.  In contrast, an assisted death is where all the people involved have considered the questions and guidelines that include physical, emotional, social, and ethical issues (Humphrey 21).  In Biomedical Ethics, authors Thomas A. Mappes and David DeGrazia, who both hold a Ph.D. in philosophy, define physician-assisted suicide, "the final act is solely the patient's, and

I mentioned that those suffering from terminal illnesses were choosing to die with dignity, but many also opt for unassisted suicide; for example, the book “Final exit” references many forms of suicide. In this case, those choosing to end their life due to a terminal illness are shown sympathy due to our awareness of their condition; unfortunately, at the same time, our society condemns the same practice for those suffering from chronic mental illness. Our society rejects and demonizes those who choose to end their life due to issues that we cannot see; issues being mental illness, unbearable grievances, even extending as far as financial issues. It is

As you walk upon the dark, stormy day making your way to the funeral you ask yourself, “How could they have done this? What lead them to the point of where their own life was the price they had to make to achieve happiness?” Moments before, you were woken up by a phone call at midnight, from your mother’s friend, getting the unexpected news that your friend has recently shot themselves in the head. As the service is minutes away from ending, you start to wondering, “How could I miss the signs?” In school, they smiled at everyone, they were the highest ranked student in the school and was the leaning shoulder that everyone could rely on. Now the only thing that you have left from them is a small note thanking you for being there for them, but it wasn’t enough. Your mind would be left to wonder the reason why they went for a permanent solution to solve their problems while they rest in eternal peace. According to CBS News, one person commits a suicide about every 40 seconds around the world. With more than half a million people committing this act, you are left to wonder why this is not a topic of controversy or a matter discussed worldwide. The topic of debate with-in suicide is that if someone were to commit this act, if rationalized or irrationalized, it can determine if they did it for honor or took the coward’s way out.

Typically, the utilitarian recital of morality provides no strong and fast answers about suicide - each case is separate rely on its consequences. It is disputable whether a