Abstract
The paper relates that the Oregon Death With Dignity Act was first passed by voters in 1994 ("Death", 2008, sec. 1-10), however, following lengthy legal battles intended to prevent the act from being used by patients and/or physicians in Oregon, the act was finally implemented in 1997 ("Death", 2008, sec. 1-10). The paper explains that the purpose of the Oregon Death With Dignity Act is to allow patients that are suffering from a terminal illness to elect to end their lives, and thereby end their suffering. The paper discusses how according to the State of Oregon, the Death With Dignity Act can be considered only by Oregon residents, with physicians that agree to participate in the act, which is optional for all health practitioners that are licensed as either an MD or OD. The paper explains that the act specifies that the individual, after proving proof of Oregon residency, must request to receive a prescription for a lethal does of medicine from a physician twice in a fifteen day period ("Death", 2008, sec. 1-10).

Tags:nursing, death, dignity

Abstract
The paper looks at Jonathan Sacks', "The Dignity ofd Difference" and address several issues which arise from a close reading of the text. The paper holds that Sacks' insistence upon a more cosmopolitan worldview in which human beings - especially religious leaders (Sacks, 2002, pp.17-18) - embrace a respect for the dignity of others is wholly credible; if anything, the wonder is why it has not been more fully embraced by religious scholars, political leaders, and concerned citizens the world over. The paper explores how globalization has impacted this writer and how commonplace practices in the new world order - like outsourcing - present a series of challenges and threats that can scarcely be overlooked. Lastly, the paper looks at how the global economy impacts the writer's job - and the lessons it imparts to him as a result.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at Jonathan Sacks', "The Dignity of Difference" and address several issues which arise from a close reading of the text. Specifically, the next few pages will hold that Sacks' insistence upon a more cosmopolitan worldview in which human beings - especially religious leaders (Sacks, 2002, pp.17-18) - embrace a respect for the dignity of others is wholly credible; if anything, the wonder is why it has not been more fully embraced by religious scholars, political leaders, and concerned citizens the world over. Beyond that, this paper..."

Tags:jonathan, sacks, dignity

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."

Tags:free, will, human, mind, responsibility, animals, instinct

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)"

Tags:assisted, suicide, euthansia, terminal, illness

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 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."

Tags:health, staffing, nursing, independence

Abstract
This paper explains that, while modern technology and advances in medical science have succeeded in alleviating suffering for mankind to a large extent, they also have made it possible for prolonging the agony and suffering of terminally-ill people. The author points out that the major arguments against euthanasia are unsustainable. The paper stresses that taking away the right of terminally-ill people to make a decision about dying with dignity is an aberration in any compassionate modern day society.

Table of Contents
Different Kinds of Euthanasia
The Ethical and Legal Considerations
The Arguments against Euthanasia and their Rebuttal
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Another argument against euthanasia is that once we permit any form of euthanasia, it would put us on a "moral slippery slope" leading to targeting of vulnerable groups of people and euthanasia would be used as a "cost cutting solution" by putting elderly and 'non-productive' people to death. Such alleged psychological inevitability of moving from voluntary to non-voluntary euthanasia is not supported by credible evidence. The example of Hitler's Germany is irrelevant because what the Nazis practiced was eugenics and terming it as euthanasia is a misnomer. Evidence from the Netherlands (where euthanasia is legal) is more relevant and serious studies on the subject reveal that there has been no slide on the "slippery slope" there."

Tags:voluntary, assisted, passive, religious, legal

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".

Tags:german, jews

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.