Understanding The Details Of Physician Aided Death

By Ruthie Calderon


Most people do not want to die. They do not want to be killed by others or to kill themselves. Assisted suicide is a controversial topic that is discussed in many areas of the world. This term is used to describe suicide committed with help from another, typically a physician. Another name for it is physician aided death and this is done with the doctors knowingly and intentionally providing patients with the knowledge or means they need to commit suicide.

This type of aid may come in different forms. Sometimes it is when the doctors given counseling to patients about the dosages of drugs they know to be lethal. They might go a further step and prescribe the supply or dosage patients need. This type of assisted dying is not the same as mercy killings or euthanasia. In both those situations, physicians administer death through application of lethal drugs.

This is something that patients request and then agree to. Typically they are the ones to administer the lethal activity. A lot of people choose this option. The topic itself brings up things like law, morals, society, ethics and religion. After all, this essentially involves suicide and murder.

It might be hard for people to understand why a person might choose to die in this matter. Most people who feel this way have a life-limiting or chronic illness. They may have lost hope in living a happy life again or having control. The pain and discomfort cannot be fixed through what is offered in modern medicine. The request of aided death may be the only way a person feels that he or she has control again. They can decide on when and how they die.

This practice is legal in Columbia, Japan and Australia. There are numerous places around the globe that do not allow for this. It is illegal and controversial. People who are in pain and suffering might find this is the best and only solution for them. Sometimes they welcome death, whether loved respect their decisions or not.

People in these situations often want a better life, but do not see it happening. They are discouraged and often dealing with major pain and suffering. It can be frustrating to feel as if they have no options for care, and that they will not life a happier or longer life. In fact, the life expectancy for many of these people is short and they would rather not wait in pain to die.

Opponents have their reasons. Most make mention of medical ethics, public safety, prejudices against the disabled, religious ethics, roles of medical physicians, and the slippery slope argument. People should learn more about this through research. Many resources offer details on the topic, including the arguments of proponents and opponents. Stories of people who have done this or made the decision to do it can also be educational.

Being knowledgeable is important when forming a stance. A lot of people do not agree with it. They feel it is not the right answer. However, these people do not always know the physical and mental struggle of terminally or chronically ill people. Suicide, whether assisted by physicians or done alone, can be hard for some to accept.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment