Question

Assisted suicide has gotten a great deal of media attention because of the role of Dr. Jack Kevorkian (who was imprisoned for his activity) in helping several terminally ill patients to commit suicide, and more recently because of the legalization of assisted suicide in Oregon.

Distinguish among passive euthanasia, active euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide.

If the right to die becomes more firmly established, what safeguards would you like to see to ensure that this option is used responsibly?

Answer 1

Active euthanasia is when death is brought about by an .It involves actively doing something to end the person's life (e.g. lethal injection)

Passive euthanasia is when death is brought about by an omission. This can be by withdrawing or withholding treatment. Letting them die naturally e.g. turning off their life support).

Assisted suicide refers to helping individuals who are going to die probably due to a terminal illness to die. This can be done through various means such as purchasing drugs for the patients.

Patients with a terminal illness should have the right to refuse treatment and to die with dignity. One should have a choice to die with dignity and avoid the suffering. I think euthanasia should be legalized everywhere as doctors have a fear of being guilty so they avoid active and passive euthanasia, thus denying the patients the right to die peacefully. The patient should not have to be answerable to any authority which would delay the death. Thus if this procedure is legalized, it can be done smoothly without any burden on the doctors.

In order to ensure that it won’t be misused, a complete medical examination should be done on the patient and a second medical opinion should also be considered. The government should set up a body to govern and regulate this process speedily and effectively. They should set up a team of doctors and an advisory committee for second medical opinions about the illness of patients. There should be appropriate eligibility criteria in order to carry out euthanasia as there are chances that individuals with minor or treatable illness will apply for it. A committee should be formed which should include counselors and other mental health experts to safeguard the vulnerable population.