The Right To Die

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Recommended: The debate surrounding euthanasia

The “Right to Die” (Euthanasia) should be further looked into as an option for terminally ill patients and not considered unethical. There has been an issue concerning the topic of “Human Euthanasia” as an acceptable action in society. The research compiled in conjunction with an educated opinion will be the basis for the argument for voluntary Euthanasia in this paper. Patients suffering from an incurable illness, exhausting all medical treatments, should be given the freedom of choice to continue their path of suffering or end it at their own will. “The Right to die” is not suicide, as you are fully aware that death will be certain, as Euthanasia spares the individual of additional pain. The financial burden that is caused by the medical treatments needed is a contributing factor for many patients hardship. Patients that have no health insurance must rely on public assistance, meanwhile those that carry insurance must have the resources to pay co-pays, deductibles, out of pocket maximums and/or up to a 20% portion of medical services. “Estimates show that about 27% of Medicare's annual $327 billion budget goes to care for patients in their final year of life” (Appleby, 2006). States like Washington and Oregon have legalized the “Death with Dignity Act”, which allows patients with a terminal disease the right of choice. Terminal illnesses are most commonly associated with cancer, HIV and/or organ disorders. These diseases are known to debilitate the patient and cause extreme amounts of pain. This decision should be made entirely by the patient, as they are the ones dealing with the effects of these terminal illnesses. We can all understand that families and outsiders object to Euthanasia as an option, but the pain factor m... ... middle of paper ... ... arise from accusations of a faulty Euthanasia. We live an ever-changing society that should not view Euthanasia as an unethical action, but as a way of help for suffering patients. Everyday their are thousands of hard working individuals that are diagnosed with a terminal illness and are now faced with decisions that must both be in the best interest for them and their families. This is neither an easy choice nor one that should be made without serious thought, but it should not be denied or penalized by society or government. It is a choice that must be made only by the patient in question with the input and understanding of their families. Many members of our society have worked very hard throughout their lives and if it is their desire to elect Euthanasia to spare them of the pain and the financial burden that a fatal illness would leave behind, then so be it.

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