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The Pros And Cons Of Physician Assisted Suicide

867 Words4 Pages

The conception of the end of life decision is generally associated with one’s moral and ethical beliefs. In terms of the end of life decisions, one might be more inclined to support concepts such as “death with dignity”, while others might push for “life at all costs”. When one's quality of life can no longer be improved, physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia may come into play. Assisted suicide is a controversial issue that should be legalized, giving patients with terminal illnesses the choice on how their life will end. Assisted suicide in America has been a very controversial topic. “Although the concept of assisted suicide is relatively new in US culture, the practice of euthanasia has a much longer history. In some ancient civilizations, such …show more content…

“The decision to end life on their own terms saves precious medical resources, ensures the patient’s family will not financially suffer unnecessarily as a result of the illness and allows the patient, and their family and friends, to say goodbye on their own terms…” (“Walter”). By denying the patient’s right to choose could be causing a problem for others. Using medical resources could cause another person to miss out on something they need and their family may suffer financially. “It would be a shame to actively promote suicide at a time when this choice, which often traumatizes surviving family and friends, appears to be waning popularity” (“Pearson”). People think you shouldn’t just end the patient’s life without trying to give them any attempt because past patients have lived longer than expected. “...at the same time, if a patient wishes to die, the government should not demand that the doctor refuse the patient’s wish” (“Stokely”). The patient may live longer than expected but the patient’s quality of life will be worse the longer the illness affects

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