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Debate Of Euthanasia And Physician Assisted Suicide

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The Euthanasia Debate
There is nothing more sacred than life and there is nothing more natural in life to wish to cling on to it for those you love! And nothing more cruel than to play God by artificially holding onto that which God wants to bring home. – Author Unknown. The topic of euthanasia is uncomfortable as it forces us to confront our own fears of dying. Society looks towards our legal system to help make decisions regarding euthanasia. The legal system must ensure that the constitutional rights of the patient are maintained, while protecting society’s interests in preserving life, preventing suicide, and maintaining the integrity of the medical profession (Pozgar, 2013, p. 123). Euthanasia is a complicated issue with people passionate …show more content…

The Commission on Assisted Dying states there is a strong case for providing the choice of dying to the terminally ill patient and this would align the UK with a small number of international healthcare systems (Haines & Hulbert-Williams, 2013, p. 713). Surveys report marked differences between the public opinion and healthcare professionals attitudes on the matter. While 82% of the general public is in favor, 68.8% of medical professionals claim it is unnecessary (Haines & Hulbert-Williams, 2013, p. 713). There is a difference of opinion between specialties as well. Interestingly enough, palliative care specialists are more opposed to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (Haines & Hulbert-Williams, 2013, p. …show more content…

They include diagnosis and prognosis but be certain, hopeless and unbearable suffering must be present, a confirming second opinion by an independent doctor must be obtained, both parents must give informed consent, and the procedure must be performed carefully, in accordance with medical standards (Verhagen, 2014, p. 2). Euthanasia decreased significantly after the Groningen Protocol was in effect. Many believed this was because of the clear regulation of end-of-life practice but antenatal screening policy also became part of routine antenatal care which caused an increase in elective terminations and less euthanasia (Verhagen, 2014, p.

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