Patient Assisted Suicide for the Terminally Ill Patient assisted suicide (PAS) has become a greatly controversial taboo since its introduction to medical practice in the United States. On one side, the perspective remains the same: assisted suicide is morally wrong and violates the basic principal of medicine to save lives. The other side believes assisted suicide should be an option so that terminally ill patients do not have to endure needless pain and suffering. While it may seem easy to take a side and stand firm, the impact of giving society this choice goes beyond morals and suffering. Firstly, the ethics of medical practice are founded on strong beliefs outlined in writings known as the Hippocratic Oath. Although modern medicine has expanded on these basic principles, the core beliefs remain the same. In addition to stating that physicians will use their ability for the benefit of the ill, keeping them from harm and injustice, the Hippocratic Oath also states: “I will not give a drug that is deadly to anyone if asked for it, nor will I suggest the way to such a counsel.” This is reflected in the American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics which specifically forbids PAS stating that “permitting physicians to engage in assisted suicide would …show more content…
The beliefs of one cannot be forced upon another. Every citizen of the United States has the right to their own religious belief so long as it does not violate another’s rights. Despite what the bible commands of God’s followers, it is not above the law and using it to inhibit the rights of another is unjust. The bible even states in Romans 13:1, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Of course, seeing the predicament of our current governing authorities, there is little faith in this