I. Introduction
- There is a controversial debate throughout the United States for the last decade regarding physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, many believe having a Doctor prescribe a self-administered lethal drug to a patient is diminishing the value of life. While others believe this method should be the patients’ right to choice when the pain and suffering from a life threatening illness should cease.
II. Main Point # 1
- Will Physician- Assisted Suicide, also known as the “Death by Dignity Act” be legalized in the remaining states? While legalized in three states in the United States, many others are adding it to the voting ballots for upcoming elections. The act was first passed in 1997, deeming it legal in the state of Oregon for terminally ill patient to have the choice to take a lethal dose of prescribed medication with no Doctor present. In the Advocate’s eye this gives the patient a choice, a right to end the pain and suffering when they feel necessary. The process is extensive and does have to be approved by the current physician as well as the consulting physician. The patient also has to be terminally ill with a diagnosis …show more content…
Spring 2012 that no patient wanted to die. The patients he had experiences with would have chosen another illness not near as sever if the chance was presented. The patients never considered themselves suicidal, actually the label seemed to be preposterous and demeaning to them. Quill’s belief in the matter is that every patient should receive excellent palliative care, this should be standard procedure no exceptions. No patient should receive a hasten death due to poor palliative care, ensuring the patient is as comfortable as possible during the tragic