A view on Assisted Suicide..

Endless controversy hit Oregon when they made a law called Death With Dignity Act of 1994 and it was all over the papers a few years back. I happen to brush on this topic while making a special report back in college where I'm taking up a 5 yr medical course. I actually forgot all about it till Washington recently passed a similar law and therefore, stirring similar controversy again in all parts of U.S. This particular law is all about helping terminally ill patients die with the assistance of a doctor or what is now called assisted suicide.

I searched Wiki for a narrative description about this law to give a better insight, and so it says:

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" Under the law, a capable adult who has been diagnosed by a physician with a terminal illness that will kill them within six months may request in writing, from his or her physician, a prescription for a lethal dose of medication for the purpose of ending the patient's life. Use of the law is voluntary and the patient must initiate the request. Any physician, pharmacist or healthcare provider opposed on moral grounds does not have to participate. "

" The request must be confirmed by two witnesses, one of whom cannot be related to the patient, be entitled to any portion of the patient's estate, be the patient's physician, or be employed by a health care facility caring for the patient. After the request is made, another physician must examine the patient's medical records and confirm the diagnosis. The patient must be determined to not suffer from a mental condition impairing judgement. If the request is authorized, the patient must wait at least fifteen days and make a second oral request before the prescription may be written. The patient has a right to rescind the request at any time. Should either physician have concerns about the patient’s ability to make an informed decision, or feel the patient’s request may be motivated by depression or coercion, the patient must be referred for a psychological evaluation. "

" The law protects doctors from liability for providing a lethal prescription for a terminally ill, competent adult in compliance with the statute restrictions. Participation by physicians, pharmacists, and health care providers is voluntary. The law also specifies a patient's decision to end his or her life shall not "have an effect upon a life, health, or accident insurance or annuity. "

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The nature of this law is inescapable to a lot of argument as it defies certain moral standards in our society. We were brought up knowing that suicide in all forms or ways is basically unacceptable, but for people who are ill and suffering, think of it as a deliverance from all the pain.

I understand why some people would like to end everything because death can sometimes be convenient. But in my opinion, a lot of things can happen in those 6 months so I do not agree a hundred percent. Having 3 months to live is a rather different case and I think it's the most appropriate time if a patient wishes to undergo this certain procedure. By this time, the patient may be experiencing the greatest pain and suffering.

Experiencing someone very close to my heart taken away by sudden death is unbearable. Like what I used to say, I can give up everything to have my father's life 'extended' for one more day and be with us. I'm sure, people who are close to the patient feel the same way so why cut everything short?

I'm not in the position to judge a person whether this is acceptable or not for I didn't experience the pain they're going through. But isn't knowing you're still gonna see the faces of your loved ones, talk to them, and touch their hands worth living even just for a little bit longer?