Do people have the right to die?

Question

As an assignment for an AP English 3 class, a prompt we were given for a research paper was something along the lines of " Write an essay over a controversial issue, discussing both sides and proposing a compromise." (FINALLY!, an assignment i'm interested in!)

Considering that i am going into the medical field, i felt that my essay should be geared towards something medically related. And although my options for the topic are still open, i would think it would be interesting if i chose a broad topic.

Should people have the right to die?

suicide, abortion, euphanasia, this covers a number of other topics. Plus, it's really interesting to hear other's opinions.

So what do you think?

Do people have the right to die?

Answer 1

It's an interesting question. My 17 year old daughter has a friend who was diagnosed last year with a rare form of cancer. She is now in constant pain and on a breathing machine because the cancer has just taken over her body. My daughter tells us that all she talks about is wanting to die to end her suffering. Should this 16 year old really be forced to live in constant agony if she would like to end her misery now? If it wasn't for medicine (the breathing machine), she'd be dead by now anyway. I personally feel, that she should at least be given the human tools to end her life if she so chooses.

I used to not feel this way, but I'm under the feeling that unless you've been there, you really can't answer just out of principle.

Answer 2

People have a right to die if they so choose. This maybe slightly off-topic, but is you want something extremely controversial consider this: There are always protests against death, for instance: The Death Penalty, Abortion, Stem-cell research among other reasons for the taking of life. Yet over one hundred million people are victims of sectarian violence (the toll rises every day) and you don't hear a peep. The news media will not report on it. There are memorials, museums etc honoring the 12 million victims of the Nazi Holocaust which has ended. But for this holocaust, not a word. This may be too controversial and inflame some people (I don't want anyone shaking their fist at you).

Answer 3

I don't think of euthanasia, suicide or abortion when I consider 'the right to die', because I think those are selfish acts which bring a lot of unnecessary grief.
However, I do think, especially in the US, we too often insist on saving people who are very ill, want to die, most often very old and who won't have any quality of life. More antibiotics, another feeding tube, put them on the ventilator, are often more for the family (and sometime the doctors) than the dying patient. I believe in life and giving care as much as possible, but I feel so sad for those who are as described above.
I hear this discussed often among nurses and this is pretty much the opinion held by most.
I am looking forward to reading all the answers you receive.
Good luck in your medical career.

Answer 4

The state of Oregon and one other have given the people the right to die. This is death with dignity. A doctor determines that a terminally ill patient is mentally fit to determine if taking their own life is a rational answer their current situation. After passing this test, the doctor will prescribe for That patient a lethal dose of medication. The patient then has the option to end their life at any time after filling the prescription.

Answer 5

I think you have chosen a good topic, but to get a real good mark you may have to narrow the Field, Perhaps you might pick one as some people are all for abortion, but against euthanasia.,My answer is I do believe in the right to die. But only if and when and how I say. See there is a whole difference in just that one idea. In Holland they practise euthanasia openly and freely you may want to check that out.

Answer 6

Depending on your religious faith. In Islam, Abortion, suicide is a no-no. An act of rebelliousness to the gift of life and hence the purpose of our own existence. The best thing is to embrace life and wait for your turn to be called by the Angel of Death.

From medical point of view, if the person is on a full life-supporting system and is depending on the decisions of the family, is it just to stop his life ? The answers will remain with the medical practice and what is acceptable in respective religions.

Answer 7

I think so. People have the right to take chances every day. Some people choose to skydive, rock climb, and have occupations which are very risky. Of course, if they have dependents, that might change things. I don't think it would be fair to have children, and then take your life.

Also, I don't see why it should be illegal for someone to help you commit suicide. Most people don't have the tools necessary for a peaceful and painless death. I would much rather pay a doctor to dope me up on morphine or something before I die, than use a gun or other very brutal method.

Answer 8

Of course we have the right to die. Your life is your own and I think you should have the right to end it if you so choose.

And if you are able to communicate a will to die but not actually perform the deed due to being incapacitated by an illness I believe it should be legal for someone to help you with the process. It is about time that we can get dignity in death as well as dignity of life

Answer 9

Well, let me take a practical bent: if someone kills themself with no external help, what possible repurcussion can society place on them?

This illustrates how ridiculous the right to die issue is. Becuase in reality, euthanisa when discussed in the media is not about a persons right to terminate their own life, but rather about others involved that assist them. There is a big difference there.

The media would rather not highlight this, but its reality.

Does a person have a right to take their own life? Surely.

Does another have the right to assist them? That is the real question. In my opinion absolutely not.

Answer 10

Yes.

Until the day the law states any form of self-suicidal or death is illegal. Until the day the possibility of someone dying becomes from 1/1 to 1/10. Until that happens, the statement- 'People have the right to die' will not remain false.

Cheers. :D