Issue Explanation

The topic of Physician Assisted Suicide is a very controversial topic. Many think that having the option to kill yourself with the help of a doctor is against the rights of Life and the Common Good. Many think that it is a sin; that taking one's own life is against religion. Others think that it should be allowed to obtain Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Why live if you can't get out and live?  If we have the right to live, why can't we take it away from ourselves?

Current Knowlegde of Assisted Suicide and Questions

PAS, Physician Assisted Suicide is the act of a patient deciding to end one's life. I know that this subject is very sensitive in many places. Only 3 states in America have allowed it. When patients are sick or on their death bed request to end their lives early. Many people think that this shouldn't be passed because many think that people may not be a proper state of mind when making the decision. Some also think that the patient may be taken advantage of by their family; maybe the family cannot afford to care for the patient anymore and claims that the patient requests to die. This topic also has religious people debating, saying that it is a sin to take one's own life. Though their are many opposing views and conflicts, I believe that the reason to live is to live life to its fullest; the Pursuit of Happiness. When people can no longer be apart of life as an active participant they should have the choice to die.

Questions:

• How can you know for sure if the person is in a sane state of mind?
• What if the person no longer has a care giver? Would that increase their chances of being permitted to die?
• Does it cost money to die?
• What are the doctor's obligations?
• Who has the right to speak for the patient?