The Oregon Death With Dignity Statute

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the Oregon Death with Dignity statute. The paper discusses who the statute is likely to affect, and who the players are that have a vested interest. The paper further examines the ethics involved in doctor-assisted suicides. The paper explores the role that medical insurance companies play in supporting the statute. The paper concludes that the power of the statue should be in the hands of the public, not the physicians.

From the Paper:

"The short term effect of the statute is that federal resources previously used to care for the elderly and terminally ill will be freed up to be allocated toward other uses. Since the statute effects the population in question, the public will not take any action to change the mindset of these ill individuals. Rather, their "right-to-die" will be supported. The long term effect of the statute is that no physician will be charged with manslaughter for facilitating an assisted suicide, or prosecuted under drug laws. More importantly, doctors will once again be in control of making all of the health care decisions. Those that probably do not really want to die will assess their current situation, and assume that the government is most likely right in its reach."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Gil, D. (1976). A Framework and Synthesis of Social Policies. Unraveling Social Policy: Theory, Analysis, Political Actions towards Social Equality. Cambridge, MA: 31-56.
• Gil, D. (1992). Unraveling Social Policy. (5th Ed.) Rochester, VT: Schenkman.

More papers on The Oregon Death With Dignity Statute:

• Analytical Essay # 69864 : "Oregon's Death with Dignity Act"
• Persuasive Essay # 108797 : "Oregon Death with Dignity Act"
• Analytical Essay # 136781 : "Euthanasia Law"

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