The Right to Die

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that older Americans with chronic illness are increasingly demanding the right to control what happens to them during their last few months of life, but they have no right to do so because the practice of euthanasia is illegal in America. As a result, the writer maintains that they are robbed of their dignity during their final days as unspeakable pain renders them helpless. The writer notes that the medical community cannot adequately manage older Americans' pain. The writer points out that in most circumstances, the courts protect the patient's right to decide about medical treatment, but they draw the line with euthanasia. Unfortunately, there is a religious majority that wields great political pressure at the expense of the critically ill. The writer argues that this is a situation that needs to change.

Outline:
Introduction
Why Patients Should Be Able to Control When and How They Die
It is Immoral to Subject Dying Patients to Unnecessary Pain and Suffering
The Medical Community Can Not Adequately Address Pain Management
Personal and Religious Beliefs of a Few Should Not Impede an Individual's Right to Decide How They Die
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Older Americans with chronic illness are increasingly demanding the right to control what happens to them during this time with many wanting euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, as an option. Data from the American Psychological Associate verify the tremendous pain endured by the terminally ill while the National Institutes of Health acknowledge that this pain is often impossible to manage. Even so, most Americans do not have the ability to determine their own destiny; they have to endure needless pain and suffering because of the influence of the personal and religious beliefs of others that it is somehow more humane to let people suffer than it is to end their pain and suffering."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bernstein, S. (1997, September 30). An act of mercy or murder? http://www.aish.com/societywork/sciencenature/Doctor-Assisted_Suicide.asp
• Coleman, C. H. and Miller, T. E. Stemming the tide: Assisted suicide and the Constitution. http://law.shu.edu/faculty/fulltime_faculty/colemaca/pdf_docs/coleman_miller_watermark.pdf
• End of life issues and care." American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/pi/eol/arguments.html#2
• Fact sheet on end-of-life care. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/pi/eol/factsheet1.pdf
• Foley, K.M., (1995). Pain, Physician assisted dying and euthanasia. Pain 4, 163-178.

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