The document discusses physician-assisted suicide and the Death with Dignity Act in Oregon. It provides background on the history and legalization of the act in Oregon in 1997. It describes the strict eligibility requirements and process terminally ill patients must go through to receive a lethal medication. It shares the story of Cody Curtis, who used the act after being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. While the act has given some terminally ill patients a sense of control at end of life, there are also ethical considerations around a physician's role and the fragility of terminally ill patients.
This document discusses euthanasia and debates around its ethicality. It begins by defining euthanasia as the act of ending a life to relieve suffering, and outlines different types. It then examines arguments for and against euthanasia. Arguments against include that it violates medical ethics and could be abused, while arguments for center on patient autonomy and the right to a dignified death. The document concludes that the debate around euthanasia's ethics will continue as opinions vary.
Harshal Singh is an Associate Software Analyst with over 3.5 years of experience in software development using technologies like C#, .NET Framework, Visual Studio, SQL Server, and Advanced Installer. He has worked on projects like Bally Command Center versions 13.0 and 14.0, handling the UI module, creating installers, writing stored procedures and scripts, and authoring test cases. Harshal holds a B.Tech in IT and a PG Diploma in Advanced Computing and seeks a challenging role in software development.
This document discusses the opportunity and crisis facing Trinidad and Tobago's creative sector. It notes that the most recent budget provided important gains, but this year is crucial for deciding the sector's fate for the next 20 years. The creative sector is at a critical point as the "Golden Age generation" passes away without their skills and stories being documented. If the sector fails to build institutions and infrastructure, it risks losing its uniqueness and competitive advantage. However, with the right support to facilitate talent and cultural products, the sector could contribute $6.5 billion annually to GDP within 3-4 years through subsectors like heritage, carnival, facilitating genius talents, and other creative services. Now is a unique time to seize this opportunity
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Este documento fornece instruções passo-a-passo para criar uma promoção com cupons no Facebook, incluindo como configurar os detalhes da promoção, o formulário de registro, as informações de participação, os cupons, as mensagens e o aplicativo personalizado. Fornece também dicas para melhorar o engajamento e a viralização da promoção.
El electrocardiograma (ECG) registra la actividad eléctrica del corazón mediante electrodos que captan y registran las señales del latido cardíaco en un papel milimetrado. El ECG muestra las ondas P, el intervalo PR, los picos QRS y la onda T, que representan las diferentes fases de la contracción y relajación de las aurículas y los ventrículos durante cada latido.
Este manual fornece instruções sobre como configurar um concurso de vídeos em uma página do Facebook, incluindo como selecionar a opção de concurso de vídeos, configurar os detalhes gerais da promoção, criar um formulário de registro, definir informações de participação e personalizar mensagens. Oferece várias dicas, como incentivar a participação e viralização, dividir o concurso em etapas de participação e votação, e garantir que a política de privacidade e termos estejam de acordo com a marca.
Don Quijote de la Mancha es una novela escrita por Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra y publicada en dos partes, en 1605 y 1615. Narra la historia de Alonso Quijano, un hidalgo manchego que pierde la cordura al leer muchos libros de caballería y decide convertirse en caballero andante para imitar a los héroes de sus lecturas. Acompañado de su escudero Sancho Panza, Don Quijote tiene diversas aventuras en las que distorsiona la realidad. Tras ser derrotado, regresa a su al
This document discusses euthanasia and debates around its ethicality. It begins by defining euthanasia as the act of ending a life to relieve suffering, and outlines different types. It then examines arguments for and against euthanasia. Arguments against include that it violates medical ethics and could be abused, while arguments for center on patient autonomy and the right to a dignified death. The document concludes that the debate around euthanasia's ethics will continue as opinions vary.
Harshal Singh is an Associate Software Analyst with over 3.5 years of experience in software development using technologies like C#, .NET Framework, Visual Studio, SQL Server, and Advanced Installer. He has worked on projects like Bally Command Center versions 13.0 and 14.0, handling the UI module, creating installers, writing stored procedures and scripts, and authoring test cases. Harshal holds a B.Tech in IT and a PG Diploma in Advanced Computing and seeks a challenging role in software development.
This document discusses the opportunity and crisis facing Trinidad and Tobago's creative sector. It notes that the most recent budget provided important gains, but this year is crucial for deciding the sector's fate for the next 20 years. The creative sector is at a critical point as the "Golden Age generation" passes away without their skills and stories being documented. If the sector fails to build institutions and infrastructure, it risks losing its uniqueness and competitive advantage. However, with the right support to facilitate talent and cultural products, the sector could contribute $6.5 billion annually to GDP within 3-4 years through subsectors like heritage, carnival, facilitating genius talents, and other creative services. Now is a unique time to seize this opportunity
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
Este documento fornece instruções passo-a-passo para criar uma promoção com cupons no Facebook, incluindo como configurar os detalhes da promoção, o formulário de registro, as informações de participação, os cupons, as mensagens e o aplicativo personalizado. Fornece também dicas para melhorar o engajamento e a viralização da promoção.
El electrocardiograma (ECG) registra la actividad eléctrica del corazón mediante electrodos que captan y registran las señales del latido cardíaco en un papel milimetrado. El ECG muestra las ondas P, el intervalo PR, los picos QRS y la onda T, que representan las diferentes fases de la contracción y relajación de las aurículas y los ventrículos durante cada latido.
Este manual fornece instruções sobre como configurar um concurso de vídeos em uma página do Facebook, incluindo como selecionar a opção de concurso de vídeos, configurar os detalhes gerais da promoção, criar um formulário de registro, definir informações de participação e personalizar mensagens. Oferece várias dicas, como incentivar a participação e viralização, dividir o concurso em etapas de participação e votação, e garantir que a política de privacidade e termos estejam de acordo com a marca.
Don Quijote de la Mancha es una novela escrita por Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra y publicada en dos partes, en 1605 y 1615. Narra la historia de Alonso Quijano, un hidalgo manchego que pierde la cordura al leer muchos libros de caballería y decide convertirse en caballero andante para imitar a los héroes de sus lecturas. Acompañado de su escudero Sancho Panza, Don Quijote tiene diversas aventuras en las que distorsiona la realidad. Tras ser derrotado, regresa a su al
This document discusses Parkinson's disease and its treatment. Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by low levels of dopamine in the brain. It affects movement and is characterized by tremors, rigidity, and impaired balance and coordination. While the cause is unknown, several drugs are used to manage symptoms, including MAO-B inhibitors, dopamine modulators, COMT inhibitors, ergot derivatives, nonergot derivatives, and dopamine replacements like levodopa. These drugs each have specific indications, side effects, contraindications, and dosing protocols. Therapies can help delay disease progression, but Parkinson's dementia is still a risk as the condition advances.
This document discusses rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. RA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body, including the synovial fluid lining the joints, causing swelling and pain. Approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from RA. While the exact cause is unknown, risk factors include age, gender, genes, infection, and hormones. Diagnosis involves examining joints for swelling and tenderness and performing blood tests. Though incurable, treatment focuses on managing symptoms through physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes surgery. Recent research has provided insights into potential causes, bringing closer understanding and hope for future treatments.
This document contains the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers in the Philippines. It outlines the ethical responsibilities of teachers in their roles as educators, members of the community, and professionals. The code addresses proper conduct for teachers regarding the state, students, colleagues, administration, and the teaching profession in general. It emphasizes teachers' duties to provide quality education, uphold moral and professional standards, and respect all authority structures within the education system.
This document discusses mobile security threats and solutions. It notes that mobile devices now function as mobile offices, storing sensitive personal and organizational information. This information is vulnerable if devices are lost, stolen or hacked. The document outlines various mobile security threats including malware, identity theft, and location privacy issues. It recommends implementing mobile security solutions that protect both corporate data access and user privacy. Overall it emphasizes that with the growth of mobile devices, companies must find ways to securely provide mobile workforces access to internal systems and data, while also securing devices and data from theft and damage.
Este documento presenta un nuevo modelo de acreditación para programas de estudios de educación superior universitaria en Perú. El modelo se basa en cuatro dimensiones (gestión estratégica, formación integral, soporte institucional y resultados) y doce factores evaluados a través de treinta y cuatro estándares. El proceso de acreditación busca evaluar la calidad y mejora continua de los programas a través de una autoevaluación y una evaluación externa que puede otorgar la acreditación por dos o seis años.
Form49A Application for Allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN)-Khanna & ...Khanna Asssociates
KHANNA & ASSOCIATES is a 70 year old taxation lawyer and chartered accountant firm .It includes Company Secretary , MBA s, Taxation Lawyers and Chartered Accountant. We are an international law firm . We provide various services legal to finance .
KHANNA & ASSOCIATES is a full service Law Firm handling all legal matters on Civil, Criminal, Business, Commercial, Corporate, Arbitration , Labor & Service subjects in law, in all courts as well as Tribunals. An individualized service by members with decades of experience ensures total satisfaction to the clients.
We Provide services are:
• Accounting Services
• Auditing & Assurance Services
• Advisory Services
• Business Services
• Corporate Services
• International Services
• Financial & Corporate Services
• Foriegn Exchange Services
• STPI Services
• Taxation Services
• Trademark & Copyright Related Services
• NRI Related Services
• Corporate Governance Services
• Service Tax
Strat up/stand up india service
Contact Us:
• www.khannaandassociates.com
• www.cafirm.khannaandassociates.com
• www.bestdivorcelawyer.in
• www.domesticviolence.co.in
IN-+91-946160007
US-+1-80151-20200
• info@khannaandassociates.com
• cafirm.khannaandassociates@gmail.com
Irfan Sabir is seeking to enhance his knowledge and experience through original ideas. He has a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Bahria University and a Masters in Electronics from Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology. He has over 12 years of experience operating and maintaining analytical instruments like XRD, NMR, TGA, FTIR, and more. He is currently working as a Sub-Engineer at Quaid-i-Azam University, operating analytical instruments and studying materials for optoelectronic applications.
The Right To Die Essay examples
Right to Die
Right To Die Movement
Essay on The Right To Die
The Right to Die Essay examples
Right To Die Essay
Essay On Right To Die
The Right To Die Essay
Right To Die
This document discusses euthanasia and its legal status in various countries and US states. It defines euthanasia as intentionally ending a person's life to alleviate pain and suffering, and identifies three types: voluntary, non-voluntary, and involuntary. Several landmark court cases related to end-of-life decisions and removing life support are also summarized. Both arguments for and against euthanasia are presented, focusing on patient autonomy versus the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals.
This document discusses the right to die debate. It defines the right to die as a terminally ill person's right to refuse life-extending treatment and the right to physician-assisted suicide. Supporters see it as a fundamental human right allowing people to determine the time and manner of their death, while opponents worry it could be abused or coerce people into suicide for financial reasons. The document outlines Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, the first US law legalizing physician-assisted suicide, and discusses related cases like Gonzales v Oregon which upheld the law. It also notes euthanasia is legal in Switzerland if the patient takes an active role.
The document discusses the right to die debate, including arguments from both supporters and opponents. It provides details on Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, the first law in the US to legalize physician-assisted suicide. The act established requirements like being diagnosed with a terminal illness, making two oral requests separated by 15 days, and undergoing a psychological evaluation if concerns about the patient's ability to consent arise. It also discusses a related 2006 Supreme Court case upholding the law and euthanasia practices in Switzerland that allow "suicide tourism."
The document discusses the right to die debate. It defines the right to die as a terminally ill person's right to refuse life-extending treatment and the right to physician-assisted suicide. Supporters want to legalize assisted suicide and see it as a fundamental right. Opponents believe it could lead to abuse of patients and suicide for financial reasons. The document outlines laws around assisted suicide in Oregon, Switzerland, and a French court case. It also discusses the US Supreme Court upholding Oregon's Death with Dignity Act.
The document discusses physician-assisted suicide laws in several US states. It provides details on:
1) The eligibility requirements for patients seeking physician-assisted suicide, including being terminally ill with less than 6 months to live, mentally competent, and a resident of Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Montana or New Mexico.
2) The process patients must go through, including making two oral requests 15 days apart, a written request, and a 48-hour waiting period before receiving a prescription.
3) Perspectives on the debate around physician-assisted suicide laws, with supporters arguing for patient autonomy and relieving suffering, and opponents like the Catholic Church believing it devalues life.
Euthanasiafrom Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied HealthD.docxhumphrieskalyn
Euthanasia
from Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Definition
Euthanasia is the act of putting a person (or animal) to death painlessly, or allowing a person (or animal) to die by withholding medical treatment in cases of incurable disease. The word “euthanasia” comes from two Greek words that mean “good death.” Euthanasia is sometimes called “mercy killing.”
Description
Terms and categories
It is important to distinguish euthanasia from “assisted suicide,” which is sometimes used loosely as a synonym for euthanasia. Assisted suicide, which is often called “self-deliverance” in Britain, refers to a person's bringing about his or her own death with the help of another person. When the other person is a physician, the act is called “doctor-assisted suicide.” As of 2017, assisted suicide was permitted by law in California, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Oregon legalized assisted suicide in 1994. The other states that permitted assisted suicide had passed laws between 2008 and 2016. Laws prohibited the practice in 37 states, three states prohibited it by common law, and four states did not specify.
Euthanasia strictly speaking means that a physician or other person is the one who performs the last act that causes death; in other words, the physician or other person kills the patient. For example, if a physician injects a patient with a lethal overdose of a pain-killing medication, he or she is performing euthanasia. If the physician leaves the patient with a loaded syringe and the patient injects himself or herself with it, the act is an assisted suicide. Euthanasia of animals is a common practice in veterinary medicine. Euthanasia of humans is illegal throughout the United States, prohibited as a type of homicide.
Euthanasia is usually categorized as either active or passive, and as either voluntary or involuntary. The first set of categories refers to the means of ending life, and the second set of categories refers to the agent of the decision. Active euthanasia involves putting a patient to death for merciful reasons. Passive euthanasia involves withholding medical care, or not doing something to prevent death. In voluntary euthanasia, the patient is the one who wishes to die and has usually requested either active or passive euthanasia. In involuntary euthanasia, someone else makes the decision to terminate the patient's life, usually because the patient is in a coma or otherwise unable to make an informed request to die.
Another important term to understand is the socalled doctrine of double effect. This is a legal term that has been underscored by the United States Supreme Court in one of its decisions. The doctrine of double effect states that a medical treatment intended to relieve pain that incidentally hastens the patient's death is still appropriate and legally acceptable. In other words, a doctor who gives a dying patient high doses of morphine to prevent pain, knowing that such high.
This document discusses Parkinson's disease and its treatment. Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by low levels of dopamine in the brain. It affects movement and is characterized by tremors, rigidity, and impaired balance and coordination. While the cause is unknown, several drugs are used to manage symptoms, including MAO-B inhibitors, dopamine modulators, COMT inhibitors, ergot derivatives, nonergot derivatives, and dopamine replacements like levodopa. These drugs each have specific indications, side effects, contraindications, and dosing protocols. Therapies can help delay disease progression, but Parkinson's dementia is still a risk as the condition advances.
This document discusses rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. RA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body, including the synovial fluid lining the joints, causing swelling and pain. Approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from RA. While the exact cause is unknown, risk factors include age, gender, genes, infection, and hormones. Diagnosis involves examining joints for swelling and tenderness and performing blood tests. Though incurable, treatment focuses on managing symptoms through physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes surgery. Recent research has provided insights into potential causes, bringing closer understanding and hope for future treatments.
This document contains the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers in the Philippines. It outlines the ethical responsibilities of teachers in their roles as educators, members of the community, and professionals. The code addresses proper conduct for teachers regarding the state, students, colleagues, administration, and the teaching profession in general. It emphasizes teachers' duties to provide quality education, uphold moral and professional standards, and respect all authority structures within the education system.
This document discusses mobile security threats and solutions. It notes that mobile devices now function as mobile offices, storing sensitive personal and organizational information. This information is vulnerable if devices are lost, stolen or hacked. The document outlines various mobile security threats including malware, identity theft, and location privacy issues. It recommends implementing mobile security solutions that protect both corporate data access and user privacy. Overall it emphasizes that with the growth of mobile devices, companies must find ways to securely provide mobile workforces access to internal systems and data, while also securing devices and data from theft and damage.
Este documento presenta un nuevo modelo de acreditación para programas de estudios de educación superior universitaria en Perú. El modelo se basa en cuatro dimensiones (gestión estratégica, formación integral, soporte institucional y resultados) y doce factores evaluados a través de treinta y cuatro estándares. El proceso de acreditación busca evaluar la calidad y mejora continua de los programas a través de una autoevaluación y una evaluación externa que puede otorgar la acreditación por dos o seis años.
Form49A Application for Allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN)-Khanna & ...Khanna Asssociates
KHANNA & ASSOCIATES is a 70 year old taxation lawyer and chartered accountant firm .It includes Company Secretary , MBA s, Taxation Lawyers and Chartered Accountant. We are an international law firm . We provide various services legal to finance .
KHANNA & ASSOCIATES is a full service Law Firm handling all legal matters on Civil, Criminal, Business, Commercial, Corporate, Arbitration , Labor & Service subjects in law, in all courts as well as Tribunals. An individualized service by members with decades of experience ensures total satisfaction to the clients.
We Provide services are:
• Accounting Services
• Auditing & Assurance Services
• Advisory Services
• Business Services
• Corporate Services
• International Services
• Financial & Corporate Services
• Foriegn Exchange Services
• STPI Services
• Taxation Services
• Trademark & Copyright Related Services
• NRI Related Services
• Corporate Governance Services
• Service Tax
Strat up/stand up india service
Contact Us:
• www.khannaandassociates.com
• www.cafirm.khannaandassociates.com
• www.bestdivorcelawyer.in
• www.domesticviolence.co.in
IN-+91-946160007
US-+1-80151-20200
• info@khannaandassociates.com
• cafirm.khannaandassociates@gmail.com
Irfan Sabir is seeking to enhance his knowledge and experience through original ideas. He has a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Bahria University and a Masters in Electronics from Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology. He has over 12 years of experience operating and maintaining analytical instruments like XRD, NMR, TGA, FTIR, and more. He is currently working as a Sub-Engineer at Quaid-i-Azam University, operating analytical instruments and studying materials for optoelectronic applications.
The Right To Die Essay examples
Right to Die
Right To Die Movement
Essay on The Right To Die
The Right to Die Essay examples
Right To Die Essay
Essay On Right To Die
The Right To Die Essay
Right To Die
This document discusses euthanasia and its legal status in various countries and US states. It defines euthanasia as intentionally ending a person's life to alleviate pain and suffering, and identifies three types: voluntary, non-voluntary, and involuntary. Several landmark court cases related to end-of-life decisions and removing life support are also summarized. Both arguments for and against euthanasia are presented, focusing on patient autonomy versus the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals.
This document discusses the right to die debate. It defines the right to die as a terminally ill person's right to refuse life-extending treatment and the right to physician-assisted suicide. Supporters see it as a fundamental human right allowing people to determine the time and manner of their death, while opponents worry it could be abused or coerce people into suicide for financial reasons. The document outlines Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, the first US law legalizing physician-assisted suicide, and discusses related cases like Gonzales v Oregon which upheld the law. It also notes euthanasia is legal in Switzerland if the patient takes an active role.
The document discusses the right to die debate, including arguments from both supporters and opponents. It provides details on Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, the first law in the US to legalize physician-assisted suicide. The act established requirements like being diagnosed with a terminal illness, making two oral requests separated by 15 days, and undergoing a psychological evaluation if concerns about the patient's ability to consent arise. It also discusses a related 2006 Supreme Court case upholding the law and euthanasia practices in Switzerland that allow "suicide tourism."
The document discusses the right to die debate. It defines the right to die as a terminally ill person's right to refuse life-extending treatment and the right to physician-assisted suicide. Supporters want to legalize assisted suicide and see it as a fundamental right. Opponents believe it could lead to abuse of patients and suicide for financial reasons. The document outlines laws around assisted suicide in Oregon, Switzerland, and a French court case. It also discusses the US Supreme Court upholding Oregon's Death with Dignity Act.
The document discusses physician-assisted suicide laws in several US states. It provides details on:
1) The eligibility requirements for patients seeking physician-assisted suicide, including being terminally ill with less than 6 months to live, mentally competent, and a resident of Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Montana or New Mexico.
2) The process patients must go through, including making two oral requests 15 days apart, a written request, and a 48-hour waiting period before receiving a prescription.
3) Perspectives on the debate around physician-assisted suicide laws, with supporters arguing for patient autonomy and relieving suffering, and opponents like the Catholic Church believing it devalues life.
Euthanasiafrom Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied HealthD.docxhumphrieskalyn
Euthanasia
from Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Definition
Euthanasia is the act of putting a person (or animal) to death painlessly, or allowing a person (or animal) to die by withholding medical treatment in cases of incurable disease. The word “euthanasia” comes from two Greek words that mean “good death.” Euthanasia is sometimes called “mercy killing.”
Description
Terms and categories
It is important to distinguish euthanasia from “assisted suicide,” which is sometimes used loosely as a synonym for euthanasia. Assisted suicide, which is often called “self-deliverance” in Britain, refers to a person's bringing about his or her own death with the help of another person. When the other person is a physician, the act is called “doctor-assisted suicide.” As of 2017, assisted suicide was permitted by law in California, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Oregon legalized assisted suicide in 1994. The other states that permitted assisted suicide had passed laws between 2008 and 2016. Laws prohibited the practice in 37 states, three states prohibited it by common law, and four states did not specify.
Euthanasia strictly speaking means that a physician or other person is the one who performs the last act that causes death; in other words, the physician or other person kills the patient. For example, if a physician injects a patient with a lethal overdose of a pain-killing medication, he or she is performing euthanasia. If the physician leaves the patient with a loaded syringe and the patient injects himself or herself with it, the act is an assisted suicide. Euthanasia of animals is a common practice in veterinary medicine. Euthanasia of humans is illegal throughout the United States, prohibited as a type of homicide.
Euthanasia is usually categorized as either active or passive, and as either voluntary or involuntary. The first set of categories refers to the means of ending life, and the second set of categories refers to the agent of the decision. Active euthanasia involves putting a patient to death for merciful reasons. Passive euthanasia involves withholding medical care, or not doing something to prevent death. In voluntary euthanasia, the patient is the one who wishes to die and has usually requested either active or passive euthanasia. In involuntary euthanasia, someone else makes the decision to terminate the patient's life, usually because the patient is in a coma or otherwise unable to make an informed request to die.
Another important term to understand is the socalled doctrine of double effect. This is a legal term that has been underscored by the United States Supreme Court in one of its decisions. The doctrine of double effect states that a medical treatment intended to relieve pain that incidentally hastens the patient's death is still appropriate and legally acceptable. In other words, a doctor who gives a dying patient high doses of morphine to prevent pain, knowing that such high.
Euthanasiafrom Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied HealthD.docx
Death with Dignity Act APA
1. LIBERTY FOR CONTROL: END OF LIFE ISSUES
Running head: Liberty for Control
Liberty for Control
Mary Jo Cameron
Robert Morris University
2. LIBERTY FOR CONTROL: END OF LIFE ISSUES
The Death with Dignity Act has allowed 341 people to take their lives in the state of
Oregon due to terminal illnesses (Aungst, 2008). Hospice, palliative care, and medications are
used in Illinois to deal with terminal patients to make them comfortable for their passing. But in
Oregon, the extra option of Physician-Assistant Suicide has led to a new option for control.
Physician Assisted Suicide through the Death with Dignity Act was passed fourteen years ago
after a long fight with the legal and ethical issues, and informative considerations scoped out.
On October 27, 1997, the state of Oregon enacted the Death with Dignity law to allow
terminal patients a voluntary way to end their lives through a self-administered lethal medication
(Aungst, 2008). Seventeen years ago, the state of Oregon became the one and only state to allow
Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS). Though the process wasn’t easy, terminally ill patients now
have another option for their end of life care plan. Oregon started fighting for this law in 1980
after the Supreme Court decided to “leave it to the individual states to grapple with the question
of the lawfulness of the practice” (Mathes, 2006). Oregon passed the law in 1994 due to a
different way of approach. The state decided to let the people decide what they feel is right rather
than the legislature (Mathes, 2006). This provided the society a chance to weigh the legal and
ethical points, and make their own democratic decision, leading to a 60 percent result for
enacting the law. With such a controversial law, many people thought it was unconstitutional by
providing a way out of life, unethically. The law was appealed after controversy with the
Controlled Substance Law in which states that a controlled substance can only be administered
for a legitimate medical purpose (Mathes, 2006). The court overruled the appeal because of the
situation. The history of the Death with Dignity Law goes back to the ancient times, but Oregon
made a society altering decision for the law to allow death to terminally ill patients.
3. LIBERTY FOR CONTROL: END OF LIFE ISSUES
When creating the Death with Dignity Law, they needed to have limitations so it does not
become abused. A patient has to qualify for the Law through multiple different steps. First, the
patient has to be 18 or older and also have the capacity to make an informed decision regarding
their health care. They also need to be a terminally ill patient that has a prognosis of no more
than six months. After these qualifications are met, the patient has to make an oral request to the
doctor for medication. After fifteen days, the patient is required to write a letter of intent with
two witnesses, other than the physician. When the doctor is informed that this may be an option
for this patient, he/she is obligated to discuss other options such as hospice and palliative care. In
addition, the doctor must describe the risks of the medication, and the probable result of death
(Mathes, 2006). With this medication, the patient needs to understand that the medication has to
be self-administered with no help drinking the fluid. Many specifications are listed to make sure
the medication is not being abused and the patient is readily informed of the consequences.
Cody Curtis, 54, chose to participate in the documentary, How to Die in Oregon, to show
the benefits in her life for the new option in end of life care. Cody struggled with liver cancer at a
very young age. She chose to get the legal medication through her doctor so if she ever felt like it
was time, she would have the medication. She fought every minute of the fight and lived far
beyond her prognosis. But when the cancer started to metastasize, she could barely walk,
breathe, or communicate with her family. Cody decided to go to the doctor and let her know it
was time, and her physician decided to be involved with the lethal medication administration.
Cody thought it was right for her because she wanted to leave in peace, with her family nearby.
This is the story that provokes ethical consideration for the Death with Dignity Law. The
organization, Compassion and Choices, is an organization rooted in Oregon, that helps
terminally ill patients navigate the complex legal requirements for the act (Miller, 2004). This
4. LIBERTY FOR CONTROL: END OF LIFE ISSUES
organization also supports the patients through counseling so they can make the most informed
decision. After speaking with a representative from Compassion and Choices, they told me about
how the advocates are volunteers. The volunteers become their companion until the last day,
when the advocate becomes responsible for preparing the medication. In the movie, How to Die
in Oregon, the we see the real life stories of people suffering from terminal illnesses and that’s
when we have to choose between the ethical or legal considerations that are controlling
Physician Assisted Suicide within other states.
Though the Death with Dignity Law has benefited many people in the state of Oregon,
there are other considerations that need to be thought about. In an evaluation of the law, the
concept of respect versus liberty created a controversial point of view. Doctors are mandated to
respect their career by providing treatments and care to “cure” the body of its disease. This
means that within the limitations of a doctor’s ethical stances, The Death with Dignity Law
violates their job description. Though, in our pledge of allegiance we have, “Justice and Liberty
for all.” According to the dictionary, Liberty is defined as, “The state of being free within society
from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority by ones way of life, behavior, and political
stances.” This means we as United States citizens, we should have the right to freely choose our
way of life without outside pressure (Durante, 2009). This especially is linked to political views
being imposed on the decider as a way of liberty. So, though patients can decide freely, once
they have decided, the doctor cannot help them based of the limitations. Another consideration to
be made is the fragility of terminally ill patients (Durante, 2009). If there was a box that said,
Fragile—handle with care, would it be ripped it apart? In relation to the Death with Dignity Act,
assisting in the death of a terminal ill patient is not handling them with care. With our extensive
5. LIBERTY FOR CONTROL: END OF LIFE ISSUES
hospice, palliative care, and many resources, people should be able to die without a lethal
medication killing them within minutes.
Cody Curtis was a young woman that ended her life early due to a terminal illness using
the Death with Dignity Act. The history of the act was on high radar through the ethical and legal
considerations. After a long debate in the Supreme Court, the act is now being enforced in one of
the fifty states of the United States of America. The choice laid in the hands of Oregon’s citizens
and not the government. As we all deserve liberty for our choices, some choices are meant to be
made, in the end of life care treatment plans with the Death with Dignity Act.
6. LIBERTY FOR CONTROL: END OF LIFE ISSUES
References
Aungst, H. (2008). 'Death with dignity'. Geriatrics, 63(12), 20-22.
Durante, C. (2009). Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Palliation: Re-Evaluating Ronald Lindsay's
Evaluation of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. American Journal Of Bioethics, 9(3), 28-29.
How To Die in Oregon, Peter Ricardson, 2011.
Mathes, M. (2006). Gonzales v. Oregon and the Legitimate Purposes of Medicine: Who Gets to
Decide?. MEDSURG Nursing, 15(3), 178-181.
Miller, L. L., Harvath, T. A., Ganzini, L., Goy, E. R., Delorit, M. A., & Jackson, A. (2004).
Attitudes and experiences of Oregon hospice nurses and social workers regarding assisted
suicide. Palliative Medicine, 18(8), 685-691.