The Debate On Assisted Suicide States

By Tammie Caldwell


Mercy killing is one of the most controversial issues since the time of civilization. Many cultures in the past have done so, not only for animals but also for humans. Conservative and religious cultures are against this while other cultures have considered its legalization. In the US, this has been legalized in several states like Vermont, Oregon, and Washington. There had been a lot of assisted suicide cases in those places.

This, however, should be the last resort. A physician or any medical practitioner has no right to initiate it especially if it is against the will of the patient. Pro life advocates, especially the Catholic Church strongly oppose this. These assisted suicide states have been criticized by such groups. But even in territories where the act is legal, they do not recommend the practice to medical practitioners, and most especially, the patients.

However, before this is resorted to and before medical professionals approve, there has to be a request from the patient who must be very sure and is in his or her stable cognitive sense upon request. In addition, witnesses must be there which constitutes the doctor and a non relative. Moreover, the patient should have been diagnosed six months prior by two different doctors who both ruled that he or she has six months only to live.

If these requirements are met, the patient will be granted the request after he or she requests again after fifteen days. This issue has resurrected since the death decision of Brittany Murphy, a brain cancer patient, has become sensationalized by the media and social networking sites. Many individuals have commended her bravery while others thought it was an act of cowardice.

When this issue has flooded the media and has created a lot of opinion clashes, a lot of bills that are yet to be approved has reached the tables of the Supreme Court. In two months time early this year, there were already around ten passed, not including those passed last year. Lawmakers and state officials are the ones who carry the heavy responsibility of approving or rejecting the proposed bills.

Her choice to die has become a controversy in the medical, social, cultural, and political realms. It has sparked different opinions from several groups. In addition, her decision has made other terminally ill individuals to consider the option, which most family members oppose.

Various groups have opposing opinions. In the first few months of twenty fifteen, around ten states have already passed a bill waiting for approval from the Supreme Court, not to mention other states that have passed bills as well the previous year. Politicians and legislators have also been divided with this and they are having dilemma in weighing decisions.

They must come up with a win win decision, which is very difficult to achieve. The issue of Maynard being so sure about her decision the moment she found out, has created negative and positive responses from various groups and private or public organizations. These different groups also have different perception regarding the issue.

Regulators and law bodies must be able to wisely weigh their final decision. It is very complicated to come up with amendments that assure a win win result. Negative and positive implications have been seen regarding this, depending on the culture, religious, and ethical views of individuals.




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