Abstract This paper describes the contents of Oregon's Death with Dignity law, the pros and cons of the statutes, and the potential impact of the law on the American health system. The paper includes the chronology of the law and efforts to repeal it.
From the Paper "Oregon's Death with Dignity Act passed into law via a voter referendum in legalized physician-assisted suicide in cases in which an individual diagnosed as terminally ill seeks assistance in terminating his or her ..."
Tags: physician assisted suicide, Oregon's Death with Dignity law
Abstract The paper describes how in 1971, Skinner wrote "Beyond Freedom and Dignity" as an answer to the problems of the modern world, including crime, poverty, violence, pollution and overpopulation. Skinner argues that the classic theories of freedom and dignity are outdated and no longer apply to the "modern scientific understanding of man." Skinner asserts that humans are essentially animals that could be controlled by using his previously discovered and published observations about the domination of animals. The paper stresses that "Beyond Freedom and Dignity" goes far beyond psychology and enters into sociology, philosophy and politics. The paper contends that if viewed within these parameters, it is a work of value for generations to come.
Outline:
Abstract
A Synopsis of "Beyond Freedom and Dignity"
Skinner's Concept of "Freedom"
Skinner's Concept of "Dignity"
Conclusions
From the Paper "A most interesting theory that Skinner puts forth in the book is the idea that, based upon his earlier research into animal motivation and control, that humans are essentially animals that could be controlled by using his previously discovered and published observations about the domination of animals through motivation and deprivation, subject to the same laws of stimulus-response that he observed in his "rat boxes", or what has come to be known as "Skinner Boxes" in psychological circles (Todd & Morris, 1995) . In the book, Skinner denies the existence of a "human mind", personal responsibility and any type of "inner personality" (Skinner, 1971). To him, free will, thoughts, and emotions only "seem" to exist."
Abstract This paper discusses the only successful legalization of physician-assisted suicide in the U.S.A., the Oregon law called the Death with Dignity Act, passed in 1994 by a voter referendum and hung up in court for three years before another voter referendum to repeal the law was defeated in November 1997, and it became legal. The author explains that personal experiences with dying family members led her to believe that terminally-ill patients should have the right to die as they wish, and physicians should have an important role in that decision. The paper relates that the public's support for assisted suicide or physician-assisted suicide has increased over the past 50 years; today 72% of the population supports this issue.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview of the Law
Supporting Arguments
Conclusion
From the Paper "The law also requires the prescribing physician to report all requests for medication to the Oregon Department of Human Services. In addition, in 1999, the Oregon Legislature added a requirement that pharmacists must be informed of the prescribed medication's ultimate use. Physicians and patients that follow the above requirements are protected from criminal prosecution under the law. In addition, choosing physician-assisted suicide will not affect the status of a patient's health or life insurance policies. There is no obligation for physicians and health care systems to participate in the law."
Tags: terminal, pharmacist, family, support, public
Abstract This paper details recent legislation on assisted suicide known as the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. David Gil's Policy Analysis Framework is used to analyze the new law. According to Gil's analysis, the "objective" of Oregon's Death with Dignity Act is to settle the dispute as to what the desires of an incapacitated person really are. The author concludes that as a result of the enactment of this law, the number of physician-assisted suicides will continue to grow, and disability supporters will protest and try to bring awareness to the general public.
From the Paper "The danger of defining "terminal" with time limits or definitions of illness is that these limits may be defined differently by different doctors. In the Netherlands "terminal" is simply "concrete expectancy of death" and time limits and definitions of "terminal illness" have been fastidiously avoided, to protect both the ill and their physicians when a terminal illness or mental state cannot be judged within these limits. Patients may suffer long past the six months that the doctor assumes is remaining for the patient. (Marker, 2006) In Oregon, the legal interpretation of "terminal disease" is "an incurable and irreversible disease that has been medically confirmed and will, within reasonable medical judgment, produce death within six months." [1995 c.3 s.1.01; 1999 c.423 s.1] (Definitions, 12)"
Abstract The paper reviews the controversy over a terminally ill patient's desire to die with dignity instead of waiting to suffer a lengthy and slow process.
Abstract This paper describes and analyzes the psychology and circumstances of the German Jews during and before the Holocaust as explained by Marion Kaplan in her book "Between Dignity and Despair".
This paper analyzes Ernest Hemingway's classic novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and explores the themes of death and dignity as it relates to each of the characters in the book.
Abstract This paper discusses the prominent theme of dignity in the face of hardship that each character faces in Hemingway's novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls." The novel focuses on the main character of Robert, the American professor who has come to Spain to join the fight against the fascists. The writer of this paper also examines the title: "For Whom the Bell Tolls" which bears great meaning and relevance to the events of the novel.
From the Paper "A world of torture and pain would await him in such a case, where he would have no control over his time of death. However the reader did not see whether this possibility turned to a reality. The danger involved with fighting wounded was wholeheartedly applauded by Hemingway, because while he did not give a definitive ending, Robert's sacrifice was inarguably noble. There is a level of irony in Robert's death that is impossible to miss."
Tags: book, review, analysis, death, dignity, ernest, hemingway, spanish, war
Abstract This paper analyzes the role of human dignity and individual rights in cases involving the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The analysis finds that individual rights were accorded greater weight by the courts in Section 15(1) cases than in Section 7 cases.
Abstract This paper reviews various articles that discuss the issues of dignity and privacy for the elderly. It discusses interactions between elderly patients in care facilities, as well as the relationships between the elderly patients and the caregivers and health professionals. The paper then describes the consequences of negative experiences by elderly patients and possible solutions to the problems.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Suggestions, Reflections and Implications
Rationale of the Choice of Topic
From the Paper "This source says that a Federal study affirmed the importance of assisted-living in delivering a "high degree of consistency" in the key areas of privacy and autonomy for senior patients. The national study was conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Services, focusing on residents and staff and the aspects of high service and high privacy. Specifically, it addressed assisted-living philosophy, services, staffing, cost and the residents' ability to age in place or substitute assisted-living for nursing home care. They expressed high satisfaction towards the staff for the show of dignity and respect, caring and affection. However, half of them observed an inadequacy of staff. In response, the Assisted-Living Federation of America or ALFA increased and made available a pool of available workers, courses for caregivers and recommendations. The trend indicated that more people enjoyed working with older people and that proper training would enhance employee commitment and recruitment itself."
Abstract This paper analyzes the themes of culture, dignity and self-respect in Native-American short stories. "Borders" by Thomas King, for example, is a short story about a mother and a boy who belong to the Blackfoot tribe living on a Canadian reservation. The story is told from the boy's perspective and is a remembrance of an experience he and his mother endured while trying to cross the border between Canada and the United States. Other stories analyzed within this paper include "How to Write the Great American Indian Novel" by Sherman Alexie, "Captivity" by Lousie Erdrich, "Captivity" by Lousie Erdrich and "Indian Boarding School: The Runaways" by Lousie Erdrich.
From the Paper "To analyze 'How to Write the Great American Indian Novel' by Sherman Alexie, it is important to understand the term 'horse culture' because it is a metaphor mentioned throughout the piece time and time again. The term horse culture is metaphorically used to sarcastically imply a superior culture--stronger, braver, more prosperous, and more beautiful.
"The term 'half-breed' is also used over and over again. The author mentions that the hero should be a half-breed--half white, and half Indian. This implies that being half white makes the Native American look less ethic, more commercially appealing, more acceptable as a human being to the dominant white culture. The author further brings this message home by saying that the Indian woman '...should be compared to nature: brown hills, mountains, fertile valleys, dewy grass, wind, and clear water.' Here he is trying to emphasize a Caucasian commercialized perception of a beautiful Native American woman--something from Disney's Pocahontas--not a real woman."
Abstract This paper discusses Oregon's "right to die" legislation - its Death with Dignity Act. The paper discusses the strain on health care in the United States and then argues that allowing a patient to die of his/her own volition is a better use of health care facilities than taking heroic measures to prolong life, regardless how painful, demeaning or without purpose.
From the Paper "Lost in the debate about Oregon's "right to die" legislation is that the State of Oregon also embarked on a thorough analysis of healthcare rationing. The state disallowed a number of categories of medical treatment, and cut back on a number of other such methods, in order to free up resources to focus on the sicker patients. The overall goal was to support procedures and the use of resources in such a way that healthcare was enhanced. The right-to-die legislation was part and parcel of this overall effort. Those backing the legislation in the State understood that heroic expenditures at the end of life were not only futile, but they diverted scarce resources from other areas where the patients could be better-helped."
Abstract This paper argues that voluntary euthanasia preserves dignity. Examined in this paper are such ideas as the right to die, the ethical parameters of euthanasia, the quality of life perspective and a place for euthanasia within varied perspectives. The author argues that one of the greatest ways to preserve another person's dignity is through an act of mercy. Voluntary euthanasia is an act of mercy, which therefore, preserves dignity with the bestowment of final compassion.
From the Paper "A step in awareness is the enactment of careful laws that permit forms of voluntary euthanasia. In the United States, the state of Oregon's Death With Dignity Act, allowing ?limited physician-assisted suicide,? is an example of a start for public understanding. In ideal cases of merciful euthanasia, a person makes a painstaking, well thought-out decision. Voluntary euthanasia is rarely carried out at the first knowledge of impending death, especially if medical help is available to treat the terminal disease. Voluntary euthanasia is an act of mercy, and therefore, preserves dignity with the bestowment of final compassion. "
Abstract This paper examines how the justification for Nazi programs involving involuntary euthanasia, forced sterilisation, eugenics and human experimentation were strongly influenced by views about human dignity. It looks at how the historical development of these views should be examined today because discussions of human worth and value are integral to medical ethics and bioethics. It discusses how social Darwinism was foremost amongst the philosophies impacting views of human dignity in the decades leading up to Nazi power in Germany and how Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory was quickly applied to human beings and social structure.
Outline
Abstract
Background
Major Influences
Malthusianism
Herbert Spencer
Natural Selection
Hereditary
Eugenics
The Path to Nazi Medicine
Five Beliefs and their Impact on Bioethics
The Nature of Ethics
Human Distinctiveness
Human Gradation
Life Not Worth Living
Survival Of The Fittest
Inherent Human Dignity Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Social Darwinism was foremost amongst the philosophies impacting views of human dignity in the decades leading up to Nazi power in Germany. Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory was quickly applied to human beings and social structure. The term 'survival of the fittest' was coined and seen to be applicable to humans. Belief in the inherent dignity of all humans was rejected by social Darwinists. Influential authors of the day proclaimed that an individual's worth and value were to be determined functionally and materialistically. The popularity of such views ideologically prepared German doctors and nurses to accept Nazi social policies promoting survival of only the fittest humans. A historical survey reveals five general presuppositions that strongly impacted medical ethics in the Nazi era. These same five beliefs are being promoted in different ways in contemporary bioethical discourse. "
Abstract This paper explains that physician assisted suicide is legal in Oregon, which is currently the only state that allows assisted suicide through their "Death with Dignity" Act that allows terminally ill patients to die with dignity, choosing not to suffer needless pain and anguish in situations where there is no hope they will recover. The author points out that euthanasia occurs when the physician themselves administers a lethal dose of a drug to cause death; however, physician assisted suicide occurs when the physician aids the patient in preparing a lethal dose and the patient administers it to themselves. The paper stresses that the most compelling argument for physician assisted suicide comes from terminally ill patients themselves, who are suffering and have no hope of ending the suffering until they die.
From the Paper "However, the only bill to gain approval for physician assisted suicide is the bill in Oregon. Another expert notes, "Since 1992, bills have been introduced to legalize assisted suicide or euthanasia in [16] various state legislatures, including Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, [...] and Washington. All have failed -- so far." So, while many Americans believe they should have the right to die with dignity, fewer will vote for measures in their own states. The issue is especially heated in many religious communities, and some religions, such as Catholicism, have strict bans on suicide of any kind, and so they frown on any kind of right to die or assisted suicide measure in any form."
Abstract In this paper, the writer makes use of the views of a doctor and of Socrates to demonstrate different views on death and dying. The writer examines the concept of a "good death" and death with dignity. The writer discusses how death with dignity currently refers more to medical science easing the pain of death, than to the Socratic idea.
From the Paper "A great deal has been written in recent years about the concept of a good death or death with dignity. Sherwin B. Nuland stated that an entire mythology has grown up around the process of dying. Like most mythologies, it is based on the inborn psychological need that all humankind shares. The mythologies of death are meant to combat fear on the one hand and its opposite wishes on the other. It will be argued in this report that death with dignity is now understood ... "
