Assisted Suicide Essay Research Paper IntroductionAssisted suicide — страница 2

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an infant unbearable, or simply want to die with dignity before they become very sick. This group would include, but is not limited to individuals afflicted by ALS, Huntington’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS, Alzheimer’s, etc. The Opponents of Euthanasia In a recent article from the Connecticut Post (1998) a physician described the phrase ?doctor assisted suicide? as an oxymoron. The author believes that if someone assists you with taking your life you have not really committed suicide. Whether it is a doctor or your best friend helping you take your life, it is nothing less then murder. As mentioned earlier in this document the three primary constituents of the anti-euthanasia debate are religious institutions, medical professionals, and persons with disabilities. There

are two primary arguments offered by Christians, and those of other religions, that caution against a person pursuing suicide, in any form: 1.) Life is a gift from God, and that “each individual [is] its steward.” Thus, only God can start a life, and only God should be allowed to end one. An individual who commits suicide is committing sin. 2.) God does not send us any experience that we cannot handle. God supports people in suffering. To actively seek an end to one’s life would represent a lack of trust in God’s promise. These beliefs are common in most religions ranging from Christianity to Islam. In some ancient religions suicide is permitted but the method of death is in no way comfortable or ?good?. Usually the suicide is very painful and is a symbol of your faith.

Unfortunately because of the secular nature of most religions their views on euthanasia are not very practical arguments, especially with the growing percentage of Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists, secularists, non-Christians and liberal Christians. Medical professionals who are dedicated to preserve life argue that the oath that they take upon becoming a physician binds them to not assist their patients in committing suicide. In fact the American Medical Associations? policy toward euthanasia says that “Physician assisted suicide is fundamentally inconsistent with the physician’s professional role?” and, “it is critical that the medical profession redouble its efforts to ensure that dying patients are provided optimal treatment for their pain and other discomfort. The use

of more aggressive comfort care measures, including greater reliance on hospice care, can alleviate the physical and emotional suffering that dying patients experience…”. To be a practicing doctor you must follow and understand this oath. A recent survey performed by Dr. Diane Meier of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, NY, of 1,902 doctors showed that 6.4% of those who responded admitted that they had helped at least one patient commit suicide. The doctors questioned specialized in aging, infectious diseases, cancer, and diseases that affected kidneys, nerves and lungs. Opponents of euthanasia also argue that if physician assisted suicide were legal, insurance companies and family members who do not wish to see funds wasted on costly medical bills would opt to have

their relatives or clients commit suicide without proper consent. This is of major concern to disabled persons who worry that if lawmakers permit terminally ill patients to commit suicide that eventually laws will be created to allow states to kill anyone that it deems to be worthless. Granted this statement may seem a bit unrealistic; however, when looking back at the atrocities of history (i.e. nazi death camps and human medical testing, etc) the question is valid as to where physician assisted suicide will stop at. Conclusions My moral and religious convictions strongly oppose suicide in any form, whether it is someone jumping from a building or physician assisted. I believe that by killing yourself you will be condemned to Hell. However, this does not mean that I am in favor

of a law outlawing euthanasia. To do so would limit an individual?s rights. It is my belief that as an individual you have the right to do anything. This not only includes the rights to life, liberty and happiness, but also the right to steal, murder and commit suicide. Fortunately, if you exercise a right that is regulated by law you will be punished by a government agency for it. Furthermore, if you commit suicide my religion tells me that you will be punished my God. Not everyone has the same moral and ethical convictions as I do; therefore, it would be wrong to force others to follow them. Whatever the outcome, laws relating to euthanasia need be determined by the federal government and not by individual states. Otherwise, too many discrepancies and problems will occur. For