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Monday 18 May 2015

What To Know About Physician Aided Death

By Tammie Caldwell


A lot of people do not want to die, especially through suicide or murder. Assisted suicide is a controversial practice that is recognized as suicide committed with assistance from another person. If the person assisting in the death is a physician who provides patients with means or knowledge to kill themselves, it is referred to as physician aided death. Doctors who do this know the intent of the individual and still provide them with resources.

Physician-assisted suicide, or PAS, refers to doctors who give counsel on lethal dosage of drugs, prescribe these doses or supply them to their patients. Another term, or euphemism, used to describe this process is assisted dying. This practice should not be confused with the term euthanasia or mercy killing. In those cases, the physician administered the death through use of a lethal drug.

PAS is often done at the request and in consent with the patient. He or she is expected to self-administer what is necessary to commit the suicide. This is of interest to more people than one might expect. A lot of conversation revolves around this practice, which touches on a variety of issues, including ethics, morals, religion, society and law. After all, this is a practice related to murder and suicide.

Some people may wonder what drives people to this decision. Often times people requesting this have life-limiting sicknesses or chronic illnesses. They might have lost sight of hope in regaining control of their health situation and life. Plus, many feel physical pain and overall discomfort that cannot be remedied. Aided death might be a way that they feel they have some control again, being able to choose how they want to end their lives.

This type of suicide has been legalized in Australia, Japan and Columbia, but there are many places around the world that prohibit it. It is considered an illegal practice that stirs a lot of controversy. Still, people suffering may find that this is the best and only option they want. They may welcome the idea of death because it seems like a better reality than living in pain and waiting to pass away. It might also be a decision that their families respect and encourage, based on what they understand about the situation.

Many seek this out because they believe that they cannot improve their quality of life. They may be in such a condition that the physical suffering has greatly reduced overall happiness and sense of well-being. Frustration is a common emotion felt by these patients. This is particularly common if there is no solution for their condition and their life cannot be spared through medicine. Opponents have concerns, including: slippery slope argument, public safety risks, role of physicians, medical and religious ethics, and prejudice against people who are disable.

It can be helpful to do research on this topic, if interested. There are plenty of resources that offer info related to this topic. While many are against this procedure, some organizations have been set up in support of PAS.

Knowledge about this process is fundamental to forming an opinion about it. Many feel this is not the answer, but they are not in the same position as the people who consider it. Suicide can be difficult to understand and accept.




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