Physician-Assisted Suicide

Many words have been used to describe life. It is a blessing or a curse, joyful or painful, meaningful or confusing. No matter how you choose to describe your existence, it cannot be denied that each life is a miraculous gift. It is not the kind of gift that you can return to the store, even if you have a receipt. To put it simply, it is my believe that life, no matter what the quality, should be treasured wholeheartedly.

We cannot choose the date of our birth. We are brought into this life by the will of our Creator, not knowing what our journey will entail or how long it will last. Some are blessed with a long and healthy life, while others find themselves suffering from mental or physical illness. Regardless of our triumphs and sorrows, one thing is certain: death will come. It is an experience that each of us will endure.

Joan Baez said, “You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live” (Baez). While I fully embrace this opinion, many people disagree with Baez’s statement. In fact, it has become a common viewpoint that a person who is suffering from a devastating illness should not have to bear the pain and misery of a joyless life. Thus, the practice of Physician-Assisted Suicide has crept its way into our country, bringing a “merciful release” to those who wish to carry their burdens no longer.

Death is not supposed to be easy. On the contrary, it can be a painful and frightening experience. Thankfully, there are many medical treatment options that can help us to live our last days in peace and comfort. It is my firm conviction that Physician-Assisted Suicide is not one of these options, but rather a dangerous, unethical, and tragic choice made out of desperation by a hurting soul.

No matter how difficult it may be to cope with a serious illness, life should not end in such an unfortunate manner. Instead, each of our days, whether good or bad, should be lived as fully as possible. Simply stated, I echo the words of Marcus Aurelius: "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love” (Aurelius).


WORKS CITED


Aurelius, Marcus, as quoted in Brainy Quote. "When you arise..." Brainy Quote. Web. 28 January 2010.

Baez, Joan, as quoted in Brainy Quote. "You don't get to choose..." Brainy Quote. Web. 28 January 2010.