assisted suicide?

Question

What is its affect on the Family and Other Loved Ones?

i need to write an essay in this topic

Answer 1

If you are asking for specific literature on effects on family/friends, I cannot help with that, as I only studied the social effects. I would suggest though that you could go to any library and research for ["assisted suicide" and "effects on family/close friends] and you'd find plenty of studies discussing this aspect of it. Your librarian will be more than happy to help you too!

However, judging from what I've learned about the extremely controversial nature of it (as is attested to by observing other responses here already), the effects of the issue are going to be just as controversial within families/friendship circles as they are within the society. And of course, as is observed in responses here, there is a wide range of individual differences in "reactions" to the "very idea..."

You probably know only one state has legalized the issue so far. It's obvious that the majority of residents in Oregon believe in the practice as "humane". They call it the Death with Dignity Act, and have extremely strict rules that one considering ending their own life due to terminal illness must follow a process of before gaining the legal right to take advantage of the law. It protects against abuse from both patient and physician, and is a very sound set up IMHO. That is, the act cannot "just happen", a patient must go through a series of steps and these steps must be followed to the letter before the "act" can be sanctioned as legally performed by the state of Oregon. There is a load of paperwork involved to document this whole process as well.

Because we only have one state that has approved the practice, it is not really safe to generalize to the whole American population, but I'd hazard a guess that at least some other states might approve it eventually (several are currently battling the particulars out). That would mean that there are sub-societies within the general American society that, in general (so to speak), believe in the right to assisted suicide under certain circumstances. This reasoning tells me that there may be a "majority" of people, within these sub-societies, who believe it is "right" or "ok" or what-have-you.

Who knows, only time will tell with the results of states' votes.

Answer 2

It depends on the people in the family. If there are any anti-suicide
fanatics in the family, then they will go berserk and threaten the well-being
of the person(s) that assisted the suicide, and as a result they will need to
be put down in self-defense.

Some people are more bothered by death. Others are more bothered by
chronic torture and/or irreversible dependence on life-support.
Thus, the individual reactions vary.

Answer 3

As Christians, we believe that human life is a sacred gift from God to be cherished and respected because every human being is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26).

In heeding God’s command, "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13), we recognize that we cannot end of our lives or the lives of others as we please. We must respect and protect the dignity of human from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death.

Euthanasia occurs when a doctor or medical staff person administers a lethal dose of medication with the intention of killing the patient.

Assisted suicide occurs when a doctor or medical staff person prescribes a lethal amount of medication with the intent of helping a person commit suicide. The patient then takes the dose or turns the switch.

We also recognize the need for the proper management of pain. Modern medicine provides effective treatments for pain that guarantees that no one will suffer a painful death. No one needs to escape pain by seeking death.

Suicidal wishes among the terminally ill are due to treatable depression similar to that of other suicidal people. If we address their pain, depression and other problems, then there is generally no more talk of suicide.

Repercussions of Assisted Suicide
+ The patient seriously, possibly completely, damages his or her relationship with God.
+ Anyone assisting a suicide gravely endangers his or her spiritual, psychological, and emotional well-being including family members and medical professionals.
+ Corruption of the medical profession: whose ethical code calls on physicians to serve life and never to kill. The American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and dozens of other medical groups argue that the power to assist in taking patients’ lives is "a power that most health-care professionals do not want and could not control.”
+ Society will more and more disregards the dignity of human life.

Possible Corruptions
+ Exploitation of the marginalized: The poor, the elderly, minorities, those who lack health insurance would be the first to feel pressure to die.
+ Cost control: Patients with long term or expensive illnesses and considered economic liabilities would be encouraged die.
+ Rebirth of historical prejudices: Many able-bodied people, including some physicians, say they would "rather be dead than disabled." Such prejudices could easily lead families, physicians, and society to encourage death for people who are depressed and emotionally vulnerable as they adjust to life with a serious illness or disability.

Jesus uttered the words of faith that continue to inspire and to guide the Church’s teaching in this mystery of Christian death: "This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again" (John 10:17).

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

interesting question.. when my aunt was dealing with a terminal illness, she was in alot of pain(or morphine,etc..) i think if she would've reached out in that way, i'm not sure if anyone would've done it, but to feel like you just want to be out of that suffering is understandable

Answer 5

the person who assists is a murder!