Topic > A controversy on the issue of physician-assisted suicide

In the debate on euthanasia and assisted suicide, we must first of all agree on what is meant when we talk about these acts and what relationship they have with other end-of-life decisions which also occur in the context of medical care. Euthanasia is the action carried out by a doctor to cause the death of a patient, painlessly and at his request. Doctor-assisted suicide is when a doctor participates in helping a competent patient end their life using a lethal medical prescription. In the analysis of a complex topic such as euthanasia and medically assisted suicide, perspectives change depending on the point of view of each individual. However, it should be clarified that in many respects this can only lead to two positions: for or against. This raises many ethical questions, however, there are reasons to support euthanasia or medically assisted suicide, as well as reasons not to. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Euthanasia can be classified into two different procedural types, passive or active, which also includes the perspective of whether its application is correct or not. Passive euthanasia allows the patient to die as a means of withdrawing or retaining them from treatment. Active euthanasia occurs when a doctor intentionally causes a patient's death, usually through lethal drugs. Since ancient times, medicine has been governed by moral principles, setting the tone between right and wrong, thus becoming the basis for the development of professional duties. The issue of euthanasia is one of great complexity and as many points of view are becoming increasingly liberal, nonconformity is shaping the way the rules have been governed in such controversial cases. Faced with an individual with constant suffering that will be permanent until the last days of life, many believe that it is right to wait for an unparalleled end. This is why euthanasia has been classified from different points of view, which has brought controversy in the bioethical discussion of healthcare professionals and even the patient's own family. In my opinion, euthanasia and medically assisted suicide can be ethical, moral and justifiable because everyone has the right to autonomy and consent. For some, euthanasia is seen as murder or suicide by the doctor or the patient, for others it is grace to end the person's suffering. However, both visions have in common the end of life, directly or indirectly. One argument in support of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide concerns the suffering the patient endures. Suffering can be defined as the state of physical, mental or emotional suffering and distress. In favor of euthanasia one could argue that in some situations living is worse than dying. This is justified by the suffering and pain caused by a terminal illness which can make life so distressing or difficult to bear, so much so that death becomes a humanitarian act and it is considered rational for the doctor to aid suicide as a way to die with dignity . For a terminally ill person, the suffering can go beyond pain due to the conditions they are in and make life unbearable. For example, loss of movement and activity, complete loss of freedom associated with dependence on others, physical complaints such as nausea, vomiting or dyspnea, inability to work or speak, fear of dying, incontinence, weakness, loss of personal identity, dementia, life loses all quality and meaning, so death is preferable. In the book Wild and Precious Life, Deborah Ziegler talks about herdaughter Brittany Maynard, 29, who developed brain cancer in 2014. After her initial diagnosis, Brittany underwent a partial craniotomy and partial temporal lobe resection in an attempt to stop the growth of her temporal lobe. the tumor. However, the tumor soon returned, even more aggressive. After months of research and doctors struggling to find effective treatments, Brittany came across the option of assisted suicide to die with dignity. She knew the brain cancer would kill her, but she refused to let it control when it killed her. Brittany shot back: “Who has the right to tell me I don't deserve this choice? That I deserve to suffer for weeks or months with enormous amounts of physical and emotional pain? Why should anyone have the right to make that choice for me?” Brittany was not willing to live with the side effects she would have to endure, so assisted suicide was her only option to enjoy the little time she had and also to control her time. Having the recipe in his possession created a huge sense of relief. He argued that even if he decided to change his mind about taking the drug, it would ultimately be in his control to take it and end his life. Having this choice at the end of your life is meaningful because it leaves you with control, security, and resolution. Furthermore, it brings tranquility in a difficult time that is usually overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty and pain. Ultimately, it makes us reflect on whether alleviating suffering should be our top priority. When exploring the idea of ​​autonomy, the question of ownership over one's life arises. This controversy is another reason to support physician-assisted suicide. A human being must not only have the right to life but must have an equal right to death. That is, every person must have the right to self-determination, being able to choose between living or dying. Preventing a patient from ending their life would make doctors and healthcare workers imperious. If this is how an individual achieves peace and happiness, then it is his right that cannot be denied. Patients should have complete freedom and control over their bodies and lives. Each patient sees and values ​​life differently, so the importance of the principle of autonomy must be emphasized and respected. Furthermore, justice must also be taken into consideration. The responsibility to give charity or act in the best interests of the patient lies with the healthcare provider. It is their duty to alleviate and prevent harm and also provide palliative care. In addition to physically caring for their patients, doctors must support decisions made by the patient, including withholding life-sustaining treatment. The doctor must respect the patient's decision, as well as his ethical and moral values. It is the act of compassion that fulfills the doctor's obligations and avoids negligence. In contrast, those who oppose physician-assisted suicide believe that doctors should not have a role or the authority to participate in the intentional ending of a person's life. While autonomy must be respected, physicians must also equate it with other ethical propositions. In addition to practicing beneficence and nonmaleficence, doctors should also play the role of healers. However, practicing physician-assisted suicide can lead to the involuntary end of life, resulting in legalizing euthanasia for everyone, for any reason or no reason. The Netherlands is an example of this. Euthanasia was made legal in the Netherlands in 2001, followed by the Child Euthanasia Authority in 2004. In the article, They Now Want to Euthanasia Children, Wesley Smith states: “In the Netherlands,.