Argumentative Essay On Right To Die
“The right to choose to live or to die is the most fundamental right there is; conversely, the duty to give others that opportunity to the best of our ability is the most fundamental duty there is” (Aubrey de Grey, 2003). The right to die has always been a controversial topic. This is a question that fueled a modern movement in the 1970’s. With the advancement of technology, it became possible to keep people who had suffered traumatic injuries alive when they would have certainly died in a previous era (McCormick, 2011). While in many cases, these patients made a full recovery and went on to lead productive, fulfilling lives, others who underwent mandatory medicinal treatment, were forced to face a life of significantly reduced quality. These
…show more content…
These participants suggested that if someone had the desire to live but were considered to be in poor condition, they would be medically discriminated against. Further, subjects opposed to right to die suggested that while a dementia patient could have a very negative view of the world, there were still positive aspects in life worth living for. They argued that allowing a patient to participate in a physician assisted suicide while in that negative cognitive state was irresponsible; the patient could change their minds. Participants against right to die also believed that taking someone’s life was murder, regardless of the other person’s desires. Some subjects were against the right to die for religious reasons and believed it was not right for someone to choose how and when they were going to …show more content…
Patients meeting these criteria may request a prescription for lethal medication from a licensed Oregon physician. Before the patient is allowed to receive the prescription, he or she must make two oral requests to his or her physician, separated by at least 15 days. The patient must also provide a written request to the physician, signed in the presence of two witnesses. At least one of the witnesses cannot be a relative of the patient by blood, marriage, or adoption; entitled to any portion of the estate of the patient following his or her death; or a person affiliated with the health care facility where the patient is being treated. The prescribing physician may not act as a witness (ODHS,
These participants suggested that if someone had the desire to live but were considered to be in poor condition, they would be medically discriminated against. Further, subjects opposed to right to die suggested that while a dementia patient could have a very negative view of the world, there were still positive aspects in life worth living for. They argued that allowing a patient to participate in a physician assisted suicide while in that negative cognitive state was irresponsible; the patient could change their minds. Participants against right to die also believed that taking someone’s life was murder, regardless of the other person’s desires. Some subjects were against the right to die for religious reasons and believed it was not right for someone to choose how and when they were going to …show more content…
Patients meeting these criteria may request a prescription for lethal medication from a licensed Oregon physician. Before the patient is allowed to receive the prescription, he or she must make two oral requests to his or her physician, separated by at least 15 days. The patient must also provide a written request to the physician, signed in the presence of two witnesses. At least one of the witnesses cannot be a relative of the patient by blood, marriage, or adoption; entitled to any portion of the estate of the patient following his or her death; or a person affiliated with the health care facility where the patient is being treated. The prescribing physician may not act as a witness (ODHS,