Euthanasia is not a new topic, and a few countries and states have already adopted it. However, doctor-assisted suicide is still outlawed and considered immoral throughout of the world. Should the process be legalized? Why and why not? Let us take a look at its pros and cons.
List of Pros of Doctor Assisted Suicide
1. Ends Suffering.
Terminal diseases can cause a lot of physical pain as death nears. The pain can also turn into fear as the patient knows that death is just around the corner. Euthanasia can help cut short the patient’s suffering as well as the pain his family and friends feel when they see him suffers.
2. Retains Dignity.
With of doctor-assisted suicide being legalized, patients are able to choose their own death in such a way that retains their dignity. Patients can choose to be surrounded by family and friends and enjoy their favorite music at their final moments.
3. Grief is Easier to Handle.
With plans in place and with family and friends informed of the patient’s wish ahead of time, the stages of grief can be easier to handle for everyone. In addition, everyone is given the chance for reconciliation, allowing the patient to leave in peace.
4. Lessens Cost of Medical Care.
Drugs for assisted suicide are far less expensive than the cost of medical care. This allows the government, as well as the family of patients who are suffering from serious illness, to save money.
List of Cons of Doctor Assisted Suicide
1. Premature Death.
Anthony Orefice was 19 years old when a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. During the struggle, all he could think about is “to be dead”. Twenty years later, Anthony is married, has a 7-year-old son, and manages his own medical supply business. Should euthanasia was legalized then, Anthony would never have a second chance at life.
He is just one of the many people who initially received terminal diagnosis but have lived full lives for years. “It (doctor assisted suicide) could lead to people giving up on treatment and losing good years of their lives,”said Marilyn Golden, senior policy analyst at Disability Rights Education &Defense Fund, to Kaiser Health News.
2. Violates the Hippocratic Oath.
The prohibition against killing stands as the first promise of self-restraint sworn by physicians to Hippocratic Oath. The oath considers human life as sacred; therefore, commanding respect. Therefore, consent to end one’s life from the patient himself does not make killing right.
3. Stunt Growth to Palliative Care.
While euthanasia may seem like the best solution for seriously ill patients who found no purpose in living anymore, it puts a hindrance to recovery for those who still want to get well and live a full life. Case in point, studies show that hospice-style palliative care or specialized medical care for seriously ill is not existent in Netherland where euthanasia is legal. The reason? Doctors found no reason to worry about palliation since they can always recommend euthanasia.
Conclusion
Losing a loved one to a terminal illness is painful and difficult and always be. But will doctor-assisted suicide make things easier? You decide.