are you in favor of physican-assisted suicide or against it and why?

Answer 1

I believe that it should be an option for terminally ill people, after watching my uncle waste away and die from cancer. He didn't want it to be treated anymore, he just wanted the pain to end, not only his own physical pain, but the emotional pain his family was going through. Had he chosen that option, I would have understood completely.

Answer 2

Wow, now thats a loaded question...Well, lets start with that I am for physician assisted suicide. I believe this for a few reasons. First and foremost, I believe that everyone has the right to end their life. I believe this with the stipulation that you have to be able to pass a psychological evaluaion to show that you are capable of making an educated choice.

Another reason that I believe that physician assisted suicide should be allowed is the general reason, that if you are in a situation where you have a terminal illness, or a very low chance of survival, I think that with an understanding of what is happening, you should have the ability to end your own life with dignity. If you have a terminal degenerative illness, would you rather slowly rot to death, and die in excruciating pain...or would you rather that you say your last goodbyes, and then just go to sleep. Those who are in a shape like that, should have the right to go out with dignity.

I also think that it is better to offer patients who can make a concious decision the ability to die in their own terms, rather then having to possibly take their life in another manner, such as jumping from their room.

I personally think that this is something that should be allowed, but at the same time if it was to be legalized, there would be a lot of legal issues. Figuring out who would have the right to ask for suicide. Who would be considered mentally capable of making this choice. These are all questions that need to be looked at.

Answer 3

Yes. We can't bear to see a pet suffer but a person can beg an it's tough luck.

I think the reason we, as a society, do not allow Physician assisted suicide is because every murderer will start using that as a defense.

How do we decide who can or can not die? The cancer patient, but not the mentally ill biker's girlfriend...or did he murder her? Only those being treated by a Physician? What about the poor or uninsured? Physicians as murderers are not unheard of also. And then what about families that may claim that the person did not want to die or was co-hearsed? Doctor's can't afford their insurance as it is.

See, it gets very sticky.

Answer 4

I'm for it. Patient has to be able to make an informed choice. Medical prognosis poor. Quality of life is poor. The aim is to prevent human suffering. We are kind enough to our animals to end their suffering when they have no more enjoyment in life. Yet we let our loved ones suffer in pain. The main thing is it should be up to the patient. Nobody else. Not family. Not healthcare providers. The patient.
Doesn't have to be physician assisted either. If that's what the patient truly wants, a person of their choosing should be able to legally honor their wishes without legal repercussions. Have it in writing of course.
Nice to see thought-provoking questions posted for a change.

Answer 5

In favor of as long as certain guidelines are set up before hand.

It shouldn't just be a humane method of Suicide, It should be a peaceful end to the pain and suffering of a terminally ill patient.

Answer 6

Against!!! I'm amazed at the replies,life in this is continuing to be squandered and disrespected.First with aborting human fetus's simply because someone didn't want the inconvenience of giving life.And now we have "doctors" well they are not really doctors but accomplices to murder who offer patients assisted suicide! Life is meant to carry out its God given purpose and course,we as human beings have a creator that created us for a reason,their are no accidents in this life and we are all meant to be here.Now people are putting labels on what constitutes a person whom should live.Its disgusting how this world is loosing all moral dignity! There is nothing that cannot be managed pain wise in a terminally ill patient,and they should be given,love and hope not being encouraged to end it all!,life is not to be ended at the hands of another human that is not our place to play God.Suicide and assisted suicide is murder plain and simple....The sick should be encouraged,loved and given hope.They should't just be given up on like a horse or dog! How sick is this mentality?And the whole incident with Terry shiavo Made me want to rethink my American citizenship,I am so disgusted at the fact people can actually say those who are mentally retarded,brain damaged old,weak or lame are just useless beings and most be put out of their miseries...COME ON! LIFE IS A PRECIOUS GIFT and every human being has their place.

Answer 7

Completely in favor for three reasons.

!.) The main reason suicide is illegal is not for humanitarian reasons but simply to demonstrate that the government may have the "right" to take your life, but you do not.

2,) A tremendous amount of medical treatment done in helpless cases is done to generate cashflow for the medical industry, the only major industry other than oil, by the way, that is never taken to task for its price-fixing.

3.) People who believe suicide to be a sin may be right, they may be wrong, but they have no right to decide that for anyone other than themselves.

Answer 8

For, because it gives a choice and that equals freedom (even to die).
Especially since the DEA will not allow doctors to prescribe enough pain killers for those who are that sick, which is another trespass into human freedom.

So, if the pain cannot be alleviated because of asinine red tape, then let them at least die in peace.

Answer 9

i'm against it.. i mean if your in severe pain and have absolutely no chance of survival than i'm in favor but then again some wierd medical things have happened where the docs tell the patients that they got 2 weeks to live and they live for 10 years more.

Answer 10

I'm in favor of it because it's just pointless to waste away in a hospital bed as a vegetable. If someone wants to die, let them. It's their choice.