Death with dignity – College Essay Example

for legitimate medical reasons (23). However, District Judge Robert E. Jones overruled Ashcroft's directive, stating that it does not violate any provisions or exceed the Attorney General's authority under the Act (The Federal Register 12). Implementing Ashcroft's directive would have a negative impact on individuals who choose not to prolong their suffering and lacks substantial constitutional evidence against upholding the Death with Dignity law. In November 2004, Ashcroft appealed to the Supreme Court for a case that is scheduled to be heard later this year. If the Supreme Court does not interpret the regulations according to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Oregon will need to repeal this statute. This statute has allowed 171 terminally ill and suffering individuals to peacefully and humanely end their lives. In 2003, only three out of 43 patients experienced limited complications such as vomiting.Within a span of four minutes after taking the lethal medication, half of the patients fell unconscious and eventually died within 20 minutes. The time it took for death to occur varied from five minutes to 48 hours, as stated in the Sixth Annual Report T3.9. Physician assisted suicide goes beyond easing suffering before death; it should be recognized as a fundamental right that every individual deserves and that the government should respect. This practice allows for a dignified death and prevents prolonged suffering caused by illness until the end. According to Humphrey (569.12), the Death with Dignity Act is similar to other legally accepted forms of euthanasia in different states, making any opposition unjustifiable as it aligns with constitutional principles governing these other forms of euthanasia. Terminal illness often brings about mental or physical changes

in individuals, hindering their ability to fully enjoy life. Assisted suicide provides benefits such as relieving friends and family from witnessing their loved ones' suffering, facilitating final farewells, and offering economic advantages by reducing healthcare costs and lowering insurance premiums. This cost reduction enables healthcare workers to prioritize non-terminal patients and increases the chances of timely organ donations that can save lives.However, opponents argue that errors can happen during physician-assisted suicide proceduresThe text discusses the example of a woman with breast cancer who sought assistance but later experienced remission. Critics argue that if a doctor incorrectly diagnoses a non-terminal condition as terminal and assists the patient in suicide, they could be held legally responsible for manslaughter due to societal norms against murder. Concerns are also raised about illegal behavior, as people, including doctors, often break laws. According to the Oregon statute, both physicians and pharmacists must report assisted suicides to a government agency. However, it is ultimately up to the doctor (with consultation from another doctor) to diagnose the patient's condition and determine mental competence while confirming residency. This gives physicians significant power and potential immunity for causing harm under this law's provisions.

The text acknowledges that assisting terminally ill patients in suicide has advantages and disadvantages. It recognizes that some patients may be in pain and want to die to avoid further suffering. However, it also highlights that their illness may prevent them from seeking alternative treatments or risky surgeries that could prolong their life. Insurance companies might influence a patient's decision by denying coverage for new medical technology. Therefore, opposition towards physician-assisted suicide outweighs the evidence supporting it, suggesting a need for improvements in

the Death with Dignity Act.The issue in question is whether or not physician-assisted suicide should be allowed. The debate imagines a perfect world where doctors are always trustworthy, corporations don't exhibit greed, insurance companies never act in an inhumane manner, and malpractice lawsuits aren't prevalent. In this ideal world, there would likely be little opposition to physician-assisted suicide. However, our actual world is flawed.

Our laws exist to protect us from these imperfections. One such law is Oregon's Death with Dignity Act. Unfortunately, this law fails to provide adequate protection according to various sources (Jeffery; Quill; Sixth Annual Report of the Department of Human Services in Oregon 2004).

In conclusion, despite its intentions, the consequences of Oregon's Death with Dignity Act outweigh its resolution (Ashcroft 56607-56608; Death with Dignity Act of 1994; Humphrey).