Suicide

Nobody wants to suffer; this fact cannot be denied. Furthermore, nobody wants to witness a loved one bearing the devastating effects of a long-term illness. These feelings are completely understandable; therefore, I can clearly see why Rachel, along with many others, agrees that Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS) should be a legal choice for those who want to end their lives. However, I still do not agree that this so-called medical treatment should be an option.

Webster's Dictionary defines "suicide" as the intentional killing of oneself (Webster). Have you ever received the news that a friend or family member committed suicide? I have been given this news four times in my life, and with each heartbreaking story, I was overcome not only with grief, but also by one big question: "WHY?" I think that you will agree with me that regardless of "why", suicide is a sad choice, stemming from desperation and a lack of hope. Contrary to popular belief, there is always hope!

Does the help of a doctor somehow justify the act of suicide? I do not think so. The way I see it, the only difference between suicide and "mercy killing" is the presence and resources of a physician. To me, this is even more upsetting; after all, doctors are supposed to keep us healthy and alive! In fact, this is part of the Hippocratic Oath, which firmly states, "I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.” As if that statement is not enough, the oath goes on to say, "I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect” (Edelstein). Correct me if I am wrong, but these statements clearly drive home the fact that the very concept of PAS should not exist.

Regardless of this long-standing and treasured oath, PAS has worked its way into our country. Oregon, Washington and Montana have already legalized the practice of euthanasia. However, the state of New York is looking at this medical issue quite differently. While many people (along with Rachel) believe that PAS is sometimes the only remaining option, I would like the challenge that idea by offering the following statement from the New York Department of Health's Task Force on Life and The Law:

"In the course of their research, many Task Force members were particularly struck by the degree to which requests for suicide assistance by terminally ill patients are correlated with clinical depression or unmanaged pain, both of which can ordinarily be treated effectively with current medical techniques. As a society, we can do far more to benefit these patients by improving pain relief and palliative care than by changing the law to make it easier to commit suicide or to obtain a lethal injection” (Task Force on Life and The Law).

In other words, ending one’s life via suicide, with or without the assistance of a physician, simply does not have to be. With the amazing advances in medicine today, there are endless options to explore.


WORKS CITED

Edelstein, Ludwig. The Hippocratic Oath: Text, Translation and Interpretation. Baltimore: John Hopkins Press, 1943. Print.

"Suicide." Entry 1. Def. 1. The Pocket Webster School & Office Dictionary. 1990. Print.

Task Force on Life and The Law. "When Death is Sought - Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in the Medical Context." New York State Department of Health. Oct. 2001. Web. 29 Jan. 2010.