The Right to Die

Human life is the most valuable thing on earth. You have control of your actions, thoughts, and feelings. Your life will end someday and it's not up to you when your time will come, but what if it was? Individuals with uncontrollable suffering are expressing their right to die.
Some may be familiar with the term euthanasia or possibly physician-assisted suicide. Both of these terms refer to the act of intentionally ending an individuals life to stop pain and suffering. I want to make sure people are informed when it comes to these two terms because there are differences. Euthanasia is where the physicians administers the means of death. On the other hand, physician-assisted suicide is where the physician gives the patient the lethal drug and the patient administers the drug to themselves. Most people use these terms interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. In the remainder of this paper I will be advocating for the right of physician-assisted suicide for the American people in need.

Most recently, the story of Brittany Maynard has become the face of physician-assisted suicide. She has been referred to as the modern spokeswoman for physician-assisted suicide. Brittany's journey began when she was told by doctors that she had a brain tumor, which was becoming more aggressive and was only given six months to live. Then she was given the option of radiation and learned that this radiation would cause health problems and her way of life would degrade rapidly. Soon after hearing the diagnosis and treatment options her mind was made up, she was going to die with dignity. This would be best so that her family would not have to see her suffer. There was a problem though. There are currently only five states in which that physician-assisted suicide is legal; Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and also in New Mexico and Montana under more specific conditions. Brittany and her husband chose to uproot from California and move to Oregon where physician-assisted suicide was legal, so that she could make the choices she wanted to. She had medication and her life was now in her own hands. When she was ready to pass, she could make that action happen. Brittany took her own life on November 1st, 2014 with her family by her side.

When I first came across this story months ago I asked myself, "Why should she have to go through so much just to end her life how she wants". Individuals should have the choice to do whatever they want with their life. So then what is all the talk about physician-assisted suicide about anyways?

Physician-assisted suicide is not something just here in America, but it's all over the world. It is especially prevalent in Europe. Countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland authorize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. Though it is legal in these countries there are still certain stipulations which doctors and patients must follow. In Belgium and the Netherlands two doctors must be involved in the process and a psychologist must evaluate the patient for competency. The Swiss have fewer stipulations on their physician-assisted suicide policies. They ban injections and a doctor is involved for certification reasons. On the other hand there are countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, New Zealand, Norway,  and Canada who have strict laws against physician-assisted suicide which are punishable by prison time. In between legal and completely illegal stand Mexico, Columbia, Uruguay, Denmark, Finland, France, and Japan whose governments permit physician-assisted suicide under very strict laws or have no criminal conduct but the act could carry punishments. Assisted suicide takes place all over the world and there are different laws in place for every single country.

Interestingly enough, TIME did a comparison between Oregon and the Netherlands concerning their physician-assisted suicide laws. They found out that the assisted suicide deaths were no greater than the average for people who could be at risk. It also mentions that most individuals who use physician-assisted suicide are well educated people who have weighed their options. It was also interesting that the majority of individuals who take advantage of this are young, white males.

One of the major topics debated when it comes to physician-assisted suicide is religion. Physician Scott Mendelson argues that the fight over physician-assistant suicide is purely a religious battle. Many argue that dying is a decision that God makes for an individual and is not something a doctor or individual themselves should decide.  Mendelson counters that argument by saying that God would forgive someone for lessening their misery. Scott and I possess the same viewpoints; if a person is in that much pain they should be able to put themselves out of misery.

There is another valid argument opposing physician-assisted suicide. Two McGill Professors express the viewpoint from the physician's side. In their video they argue that physician-assisted suicide defy a doctor's role as a healer. The job of a doctor is to heal patients and get them back into good health. These two professors refer to physician-assisted suicide as an easy way out and killing the patient is not what doctors were taught to do. On the other hand, if a doctor has the ability to ease the pain and the patient is consenting, some look upon that as healing.

Justification is made by patients who approve of physician-assisted suicide by stating that suicide is legal and not punishable, but if they ask for assistance it becomes illegal. With the help of a physician the patient can die without further pain and on their own time. Patients find more comfort and dignity in assisted suicide compared to suicide.

Next I want to share with you two stories of two ladies and their choice for their right to die. First was Beverly Broadbent, an Australian, who choose to end her life at 83 with no major illnesses. Beverly was a happy lady content with her life. She began to feel old and wanted to end her life before she was put into a nursing home or her condition deteriorated. Beverly felt like this was the right decision for herself and so her family did not have to see her go through any pain. Many professionals have researched this story and found pros to Beverly's choice. Her choice means that her family will not have to pay for her nursing home or elderly care. This also can free up open beds in hospitals and nursing homes.

The second story is the experience of Margey Fridstein. Margey had a friend named Jean who she witnessed go through some rough months leading up to her death. Jean's physical body did not cooperate and she was dealing with constant pain. A few months after Jean's death, Margey's husband contracted a bacterial infection. His body was not strong enough to fight off the bacteria and Margey witnessed her husband struggle daily. Margey had seen a loved one struggle before and wanted to make sure her husband was comfortable and had no pain. She decide the best option was to put her husband out of his misery and watch him pass peacefully. I chose to share these two stories because they both possess different opinions and experiences with physician-assisted suicide.

Physician-assisted suicide is currently a very hot topic. Citizens have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression so why is the freedom to die any different? Freedom is what America is about and is what these individuals want. They want to live a better life and live a life full of happiness, not pain and suffering.

Most of us do not have to deal with these choices first hand. Many of us might not even know someone who has made these choices, but I want you to try and step into their shoes. Just imagine feeling like there is no escape from your pain and suffering and you feel like you can't go on another day. Your family and loved ones can see you struggling and are hurting because of it. You come upon the opportunity to die with dignity. Wouldn't you want a choice?