Euthanasia - Why We Shouldn't Legalize Assisting Suicide

Euthanasia

"Why We Shouldn't Legalize Assisting Suicide"

This article has two main points. First, the author's point out that many individuals who attempt suicide are mentally ill, whether it is from a disorder, or depression. They often times make rash decisions. They also point out that suicide is often a cry for help, or an attempt to see how much loved ones care. The second point is that there are adequate pain management techniques to prevent assisted suicide from being "necessary." The authors admit that sometimes there are barriers to complete pain management because of flawed methods of evaluations, or slow medical staff. The authors also advise that many times a terminally ill patient's pain is not just physical, but also emotional, so this issue should be addressed as well.

This article opposes the legalization of euthanasia or assisted suicide.

a. The authors suggest, first and foremost, educating doctors, patients, and the public about options in pain relief, and the real side effects. They are afraid that not enough is being done for these patients because of popular myths about addiction and side effects. The authors also suggest treating what they call the "total pain," which is emotional, mental, and physical.

I agree with the authors that ending a patient's life is not a viable means of pain relief. I also agree that most individuals do not want to end their lives. This situation could be prevented by effective pain management on every level.

I didn't really disagree with any points of this article.

In their article, "Why We Shouldn't Legalize Assisting Suicide," Burke, Batch, and O'Bannon discuss many reasons why suicide is not a viable pain relief option for terminally ill patients, and in particular why is should not be legalized. They provide reasons, such as advancements in pain management, and treating emotional needs, support their argument. The authors also state that the acceptance of assisted suicide would send a message to the public that committing suicide is normal, and the desire to carry the act out is not rooted deeper in a mental illness. They also say that most people who attempt suicide are already making distorted decisions, whether is be from a mental disorder,