Cancer & Euthanasia

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer looks at the advancement of technology and how medical science has allowed modern man the luxury of a much prolonged life, and the ability to fight off death until the last possible moment. The writer points out that this luxury also brings with it the dilemma of whether death can be a moral and legal choice in the face of extreme disability, long-term pain, or incapacitation. On the surface this may seem like a private choice made by the individual, but the writer examines the issue connected to those that cannot voice their own opinions. The writer discusses a few of the questions and complications that arise with this difficult issue.

From the Paper:

"As a result of this public scrutiny, the court systems have found it necessary to intervene in some extreme cases. The courts have managed to establish clear regulations when it comes to fulfilling living wills, and have determined a bill of rights when it comes to the discontinuation of life-sustaining treatments. Feeding tubes and respirators in particular have been targeted as treatments that are under the patient's control, even if they are no longer able to communicate. Living wills are legally binding documents that state whether or not the patient wishes to continue life sustaining efforts in the event of their incapacitation. If there is no living will available, but there is sufficient evidence that the patient would not wish to continue life support then those wishes can still be carried out. The burden of this proof, however, rests with the patient's family."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Belkind, Elaine and Beverly Slapin. "Euthanasia: A Choice for Doctors." Mouth, 1994.
• Public Agenda. "Right to Die: Overview" Issue Guides. <http://www.publicagenda.org/issues/overview.cfm?issue_type=right2die> 2 July 2006.
• "The Right to Die." Exploring Constitutional Conflicts. <http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/righttodie.htm> 2 July 2006.
• WGBH Educational Foundation. THE KEVORKIAN VERDICT: The Life and Legacy of the Suicide Doctor. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kevorkian/tindex.html> 2 July 2006.

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