Charlotte+On+Kevorkian+and+Euthanasia

While we, as Americans, are granted the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", we are not granted the right to choose to die. The medical practices of assisted suicide and euthanasia are illegal in America in all but two states (Oregon and Washington- and only assisted suicide, under certain circumstances, is legal). As many have realized, the issues of assisted suicide and euthanasia cannot be looked at from a "black and white" or absolutist perspective. Before taking any standpoint, one must ask them self numerous questions regarding the complex issues presented. Is assisted suicide okay? If so, under what circumstances? If not, why not? What if the person is in unbearable pain, and suffering a terminal illness? What if the person isn't? Is it the doctor's responsibility to actively aid in this procedure? Why? Why not? Will this change the perspective and duties of licensed medical professionals if assisted suicide were legalized? And, lastly, is this procedure devaluing life, or is it providing a service?

The famous Dr. Kevorkian, or, as some call him, "Doctor Death", believes that it is a doctor's duty to perform active euthanasia. He says that any doctor who disagrees with this is a "coward". Kevorkian openly discusses how he aids people in committing suicide, and states that he is performing a "public service" by doing so. He does not believe that he is killing the patients, but rather, "ending their suffering". While Kevorkian's views are quite extreme, he makes a point by stating that he is ending the patients' suffering. Kevorkian's patients are all terminal, and in extreme pain. To end their life with a quick, painless method could, perhaps, be ending the patients' pain, and helping them "die with dignity". However, as noted before, Kevorkian's views are quite extreme, and quite disturbing in the way that he is so passionate about legalizing active euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Daniel James, a 23-year- old rugby player, was left almost completely paralyzed as the result of a sports accident. In 2008, James committed suicide, with assistance, at Dignitas, a Swiss clinic that offers assisted suicide. Despite the fact that James was not suffering from a terminal illness, the clinic still granted him his wish to die "with dignity". Upon James' death, his parents were present, and the liquid that would place him in a never ending sleep was given to him by a volunteer. This practice, done in Switzerland, is legal, as long as it is done by a volunteer and no one profits from the death. Despite the legality of this, one must question whether it was right for James to commit suicide. James is one of the youngest patients to have died at Dignitas, and the procedure was done so shortly after the accident occurred, giving him little opportunity to adjust to or learn to appreciate his condition. It also leads one to question whether or not he was of sound mind, or whether he committed this action as the result of depression.

On the contrary, Alison Davis, a spina bifida patient, disagrees with assisted suicide, even going to the extent of comparing it to Nazi Germany. Davis is employed full time "defending the right to life of handicapped people". She argues that, even as a disabled woman, she leads a "full and happy life". At the age of 28, David has an honor's degree in sociology from a university, has been married for eight years to an "able bodied man", and has traveled to numerous countries throughout the world. While some, like Dan James or Ramon Sampedro, chose suicide after becoming disabled, Alison Davis made the most of her life, despite her disability. Some would say that, despite her opinions and lifestyle choices, Davis should allow "to each their own" and let others choose what is best for their own body. However, Davis' lifestyle and words of encouragement bring hope to others like her- Davis sets an example, and shows those with similar circumstances that their life is not "second class" or invaluable.

I believe that assisted suicide is okay in some circumstances. I strongly value life, and I feel that one should fully take advantage of this "gift" given to them- however, I feel that in some cases, assisted suicide relieves some of their pain and suffering. If one is suffering unbearable pain, is terminal, and is of sound mind, I feel that this person has the right to choose assisted suicide. Before such measures are taken, though, the patient should be psychologically evaluated and be counseled by a professional, in order to make sure that they are making the right decision. While I do believe assisted suicide is acceptable under these circumstances, I feel that in any other circumstance, for example, regarding quadriplegic and paraplegic patients, it should not be allowed. As someone who has lost family members and friends due to tragic accidents, I feel that one should live their life to the fullest extent. These family members and friends would probably have done whatever it takes to resume their life, and to postpone their death for many years to come, even if it meant being disabled. It makes me sad to think that some choose to end their life as the result of a disability.