Basic Information On Physician Aided Death

By Tammie Caldwell


While there are many people who do not want to die, especially at their own hand or that of another, assisted suicide is a topic that has long been discussed. It is defined as suicide that is committed with help of another individual. When the other person is a doctor, this is referred to as physician aided death. This occurs when doctors intentionally and knowingly provide an individual with the means or knowledge to kill themselves.

Physician-assisted suicide, which may also be known as PAS, may include doctors providing counseling to their patients on drug dosage that is lethal. They could also prescribe this dosage to them or personally supply them with it. Another name for this practice is assisted dying, which is considered a euphemism. This action is not the same as euthanasia or mercy killing. In those cases, physicians have physically administered the death through lethal drug.

PAS is done with the consent and request of patients. These individuals will self-administer what is needed to cause the death. This is an interest for a lot of people. The conversation associated with this touches on a number of issues related to law, religion, morals, society and ethics. This practice, after all, involves a form of suicide and murder.

Some are curious as to why people would want this to be done. Many times, patients who request PAS have life-limiting or chronic sicknesses. They may have lose all hope in getting better and regaining control of their life. On top of this, they might feel a lot of physical pain and discomfort that cannot be relieved. Requesting an aided death may be their way of regaining some control over their life. That is, they can choose how they want to die.

This practice has been made legal in certain areas of the world, such as Columbia, Japan and Australia. However, it is still outlawed in most other parts and is a controversial topic. Nonetheless, people who are suffering may find this is the only, and best, solution they have. They might welcome death, as it seems like a much better reality than pain and illness. This might also be a decision that their loved ones encourage and respect. Every case is different.

Many seek this out because they believe that they cannot improve their quality of life. They may be in such a condition that the physical suffering has greatly reduced overall happiness and sense of well-being. Frustration is a common emotion felt by these patients. This is particularly common if there is no solution for their condition and their life cannot be spared through medicine. Opponents have concerns, including: slippery slope argument, public safety risks, role of physicians, medical and religious ethics, and prejudice against people who are disable.

It can be helpful to do research on this topic, if interested. There are plenty of resources that offer info related to this topic. While many are against this procedure, some organizations have been set up in support of PAS.

Knowledge about this process is fundamental to forming an opinion about it. Many feel this is not the answer, but they are not in the same position as the people who consider it. Suicide can be difficult to understand and accept.




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