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Physician Assisted Suicide Ethical Dilemma

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Webster’s dictionary defines suicide as the act of killing yourself because you do not want to continue living. Most cases of suicide in society deal with persons of mental illness who make irrational decisions based on illogical thoughts to end their lives. When speaking of physician assisted suicide, also known as physician aided death, it is not referring to an irrational decision to end one’s life but rather a calculated informed decision to end one’s life due to terminal illness (Starks PhD). Physician aided death is a multilayer issue in which the layers must be peeled away to see the reasons for the decision, the process it involves, and the reasons why this should be allowed in our society. As advances in the technology of medicine progress medical personnel are able to treat and prolong the lives of many persons with terminal illnesses. These advances often come with hefty price tags and lengthy hospital stays. With these advances also come many ethical questions that society must address. The case of Terri Schiavo brought one such ethical dilemma to the forefront of public debate. Terri Schiavo was a Florida woman, in a vegetative state, whose family lay divided in and out of the courtroom fighting for her rights. One side was her …show more content…

This legislation has faced criticism from persons that warn of abuse, loss of integrity to the profession of medicine, and a lack of respect for the sanctity of life (Starks PhD). Supporters point out that the act of physician assisted suicide is one that happens far more than the general public cares to think about; legislation decriminalizing this act allows the opportunity for transparency ensuring safety checks along the process, autonomy and compassion for the patient, as well as help for mentally ill persons seeking physician assisted suicide (Starks

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After researching both sides of the argument, it is clear that the benefits of physician-assisted suicide outweigh the disadvantages. The benefits of ending a patient’s pain and suffering, minimizing the emotional and financial effects on families, and preserving the right for patients to decide their own fate, supports the legalization of physician-assisted suicide.

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