Perceptions of Assisted Suicide
Ashley N. Berta
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash
Abstract
Euthanasia is a hot topic all around the world. Switzerland may be a country that comes to mind when talking about assisted suicide. It has been around in the Swiss cultures since 1941. The Swiss will perform this procedure on those who are not sick, but rather, whoever comes to them. On the contrary, euthanasia is illegal in most of the United States with the exception of Oregon, Montana, and Washington. Undoubtedly, freedom is one of the main foundations in the United States, so some say why would it be any different in this case? People who support assisted suicide believe that people should be given the right to live or die. On the other hand, some people think that everything should be done to save a person, no matter the cost. In conclusion, both sides make legitimate points, but where will you stand on this issue?
Perceptions of Assisted Suicide
Euthanasia also known as assisted suicide is a topic that is heavily debated. This issue has been around for quite some time. However, a consensus on this topic will never be established. Undoubtedly, euthanasia is a hard thing to discuss because it hits people’s emotions. Moreover, euthanasia is illegal in most of the United States with the exception of Oregon and Washington to name a few. Although, the United States is not a huge supporter of euthanasia, Switzerland is. Foreign countries do have a different perception of assisted suicide, but Switzerland in particular has been an advocate since 1941. Consequently, some people go all the way to Switzerland to be a part of their long history of euthanasia. In addition, many of these people are not even fatally ill, but want to die anyways. Furthermore, the majority of the Swiss people believe in this and they have no interest in changing it. Nevertheless, in the U.S., assisted suicide happens more than we may think. The American people are not so one sided, but rather have mixed feelings about euthanasia. Healthcare spending is a major factor when it comes to euthanasia. Americans watch the government spend trillions of dollars, so why would it be any different to go to extreme extenuations to save lives? As many know, these procedures can be very expensive, but are necessary at times. Moreover, people who hold this platform are often against assisted suicide. They think that anything and everything should be done to save a life, no matter how expensive. Government spending is at the forefront of influences for opinions against assisted suicide, but it is not the only reason. Another major influence is people’s morals, ethics, and values. People have their own opinions of what is right and wrong. Many factors contribute to a person’s morals, values, and ethics, such as their parents and their environment. On the other hand, there are people who do believe in euthanasia. They believe that people have the right to decide if they want to live or die. For example, a DNR or a do not resuscitate order is a primary example of a patient’s right. Of course, those who believe in assisted suicide are not supporting people who are not sick, but rather it pertains to those who are terminally ill. Also, people who believe in this do not want people to suffer. They believe in making the person as comfortable as possible to ease the patient as well as their families. However, going back to the idea of endless spending, the issue may also be that doctors are doing all these procedures and surgeries to avoid the end-of-life discussion with their patients. Surgery in the last week, month, and year of peoples’ lives is becoming increasingly popular. A surgery comes with its own risks, even more so in the elderly. Admittedly, a surgery may fix a problem, but will it save the person’s life in the end? Will they function as they did before or is this something we are just prolonging? These types of questions are going to come up when talking about a touchy subject like this. Emotions and opinions run high when it comes to euthanasia. The points for and against are all valid ones. In conclusion, assisted suicide will never be a clear cut topic. There will always be extremists for and against which will not bring a resolution, but their opinions must be respected.
References
Douthat, R. (2009, September 06). A more perfect death. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/07/opinion/07douthat.html?ref=assistedsuicide
Kolata, G. (2011, October 06). Surgery rate late in life surprises researchers. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/health/research/06medicare.html?_r=1
McLaughlin, E. C. (2011, May 17). Zurich rejects ban on assisted suicide, 'suicide tourism' [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/17/zurich-rejects-ban-on-assisted-suicide-suicide-tourism/?iref=allsearch
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