Doctor Assisted Suicide Research

Controversy surrounding morality is something that has not been Doctor assisted suicide is a topic that has recently become a much larger debated issue than before. A timeline put together by Michael Manning and Ian Dowbigging shows that prior to Christianity, doctor assisted suicide was shown toleration, and was not questioned (2). Yet, in the 13th century, Thomas Aquinas had made a statement about suicide as well as doctor assisted suicide, and his words shaped the Catholic teaching on suicide into what they teach today. Beginning in the 17th century, Common Law tradition frowned upon suicide, as well as assisting in suicide, and the colonies had adopted the Common Law principles. (2) In 1828, New York passed a law completely outlawing

Whether it be with a family member or themselves, technology has been able to help society grasp an imminent death. As the human body ages, many people feel pain throughout their body, and sometimes this suffering can seem unbearable. Doctor assisted suicide is seen as an easier way out, and the ability to end one's life is debated on a heavy scale. When a person has a terminal illness and are unable to live life the way they want to, some feel as if they would rather not live at all. Rhonda Wiebe of the Ending of Life Ethics Committee has found that 87% of people wish to end their lives through Doctor assisted suicide because they are unable to live a life like before (1). Not only are people unable to live their life, they also become dependent on others. A feeling of dependency on a person can lead to someone not enjoying the activities they used to enjoy. Also, feeling like a burden is another leading cause as to why people would want to end their lives. In an interview with Father Pat Wattigny he had stated, "When you are a child, you are not a burden on your parents, and it should be paid forward when your parents are in need" (4 March 2016). This is something many elderly people do not consider, and it is a point that should be expressed. Finding oneself to be a burden is no reason to want to end your life, but people continue to fight for the right to end their life. Yet, many patients

As society progresses, we become more open to different ideas, and assisted suicide seems to be one of those ideas. Human race has strived to create a type of utopia, and it may seem like assisted suicide can lead into that utopia that society desires. To be able to die a pain free death is something that many people hope for, and if possible many would take the opportunity. As time has passed, people have desired more free will than ever, and the right to end one's life in a peaceful manner seems to be a direction we are headed. Brittany Maynard was a 29 year old who publicized her story of using assisted suicide, and had brought assisted suicide back into national news. Her story had made many people feel differently on their stand on suffering, but as of now there is a clear line on who does and does not support the issue. A patient has the right to refuse life-sustaining treatment for their disease, but they cannot demand lethal measurements (Andre and Velasquez 6). Yet, assisted suicide seems to be the cause of many conflicts between family members, and it seems to only cause trouble. A patient may have an opinion on their life, and it should be the patients decision. Not having the support of family members in times may lead to a feeling a hatred, which may only enhance the reasons for the suicide. In the end, there is a definite right and wrong on this issue,