Assisted Suicide

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Life is essentially a constant victory over death. Although this feat seems ideal, there is a category of society that wishes to lose. Some of these people turn to assisted suicide in order to fulfill their ultimate desires. Oregon, Washington, and Vermont are currently the only states that allow this act to be carried out. Commonly assumed to be synonymous to euthanasia, the most palpable difference between to two is who performs the task. In euthanasia, a physician will administer a lethal dosage of medicine, while assisted suicide is characterized by the patient administering it to him or herself. As the issue of legalization gains more momentum, a general argument has formed for the most popular opinions. Supporters believe in “death with dignity,” while the opposing side views assisted suicide as the gateway to physicians killing their patients. Being the first state to legalize assisted suicide, what views did Oregon consider when making the decision? The beginning of physician-assisted death is attributed to Dr. Jack Kevorkian. He practiced euthanasia, which eventually led to assisted suicide. The idea that terminally ill patients in pain could choose when to end their life was appealing to many, especially those whose friends or family suffered from debilitating illnesses. Over time, more countries and states have legalized assisted suicide and are continually refining the qualifications a person must meet for eligibility. The Death with Dignity Act in Oregon was passed by the slimmest of margins- 51% to 49%- in 1994; however, a measure that would have repealed the law was defeated by a vote of 60% to 40% in 1997 (Norman-Eady). The OLR Research Report outlines two sets of requirements patients must meet in order to reques... ... middle of paper ... ... Affairs and “Physicians’ Experiences with the Oregon Death with Dignity Act” are more valid than How to Die in Oregon for two primary reasons. The authors are credible in the sense that the council and researchers are well educated and know the medical field. Also, the lack of emotional appeal indicates there is less bias in their reports. With How to Die in Oregon, Peter Richardson’s techniques were effective, but rely heavily on the audience having an emotional response to the film. In the future, more research on Washington and Vermont’s experience with assisted suicide will be available, so the effects of its legalization will be easier to detect. Vermont’s location to Oregon relative to Washington’s will also show any regional differences, should there be any. The procedure is carried out using barbiturates, but perhaps more effective methods could be looked i

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