The Right to Die

The Right to Die

This paper is about Euthanasia and having the right to die. This paper will show what

Euthanasia is and the differences between active euthanasia and passive euthanasia. This paper

will also talk about the ethical issues and the state law of Florida on Euthanasia.

Euthanasia is the act of painlessly ending the lives of persons who are suffering from

incurable diseases or severe disabilities; sometimes called "mercy killing." Passive euthanasia

occurs when a person is allowed to die by withholding available treatment, such as withdrawing

a life-sustaining device. For example, this might involve turning off a respirator or a heart-lung

machine. (Santrock. 2009).

Active euthanasia is occurs when death is deliberately induced, as when a lethal

dose of a drug is injected. The trend is toward acceptance of passive euthanasia in the case of

terminally ill patients. The argument that once equated this practice with suicide rarely is heard

today. However, experts do not yet entirely agree on the precise boundaries or the exact

mechanisms by which treatment decisions should be implemented. (Santrock. 2009).

Active euthanasia is a crime in most countries and in all states in the United States

except one Oregon. In 1994, the state of Oregon passed the Death with Dignity Act,

which allows active euthanasia. Through 2001, ninety-one individuals were known to

have died by active euthanasia in Oregon. In January 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court

upheld Oregon's active euthanasia law. (Santrock. 2009).

Slightly more than 60 percent thought that physician-assisted suicide should be legalized,

but only 6 percent said they would make a request right away if it were legal. Patients who had a

desire for a hastened death were less religious, had been diagnosed as having depression, and had

a lower functional living status. (Santrock. 2009).

The other alternative to Euthanasia is Hospice. Hospice is a program committed to

making the end of life as free from pain, anxiety, and depression as possible. The goals of

hospice contrast with those of a hospital, which are to cure disease and prolong life. Hospice

care emphasizes reducing pain and suffering rather than prolonging life. (Santrock. 2009).

There are many ethical issues when it comes to Euthanasia. The courts have essentially

legalized voluntary passive euthanasia, finding justification to refuse or have medical treatment

withheld in the constitutional right to privacy, the common law right of self-determination, or the

more general concept of autonomy. (LeBaron, 2010)

With regard to involuntary passive euthanasia, the courts are generally supportive of the

practice, but they have the right to insist on a more stringent standard of evidence before

approving such procedures. The courts have generally employed a balancing test that weighs the

patient's right to privacy and self-determination against the interest of the state in preserving life,

the interests of potential third parties that might desire that the patient continue to live, and the

ethical image of the medical profession.