Euthanasia in the United States

A detailed Summary of Euthanasia in the United States

Every year two million people die in North America. Chronic illness, such as cancer or heart disease, accounts for two of every three deaths. It is estimated that approximately seventy percent of these people die after a decision is made to forgo life-sustaining treatment (Choice in Dying). In America and all around the world, the ongoing debate is whether patients should have the opportunity to implement this critical alternative of euthanasia. Although controversial, it is imperative that United States citizens are not denied this right to a humane death.

Groups in opposition to euthanasia say that patients who yearn to make this decision are neither in a healthy psychological state of mind nor have the God-willing right to do so. These groups feel if euthanasia were to become a publicly accepted option to the terminally ill that physicians, family, and even patients may abuse it. They also strongly support modern end-of-life treatment, known as palliative care, as a more logical and moral option.

Perhaps the strongest belief that euthanasia is wrong comes from those who follow the words of the Bible and believe that every aspect of life belongs to God. The Old Testament records an incident

Rosenblatt, Stanley M. Murder of Mercy: euthanasia on trial. New York: Prometheus Books, 1992.

Will, George F. "Life and Death at Princeton." Newsweek. 13 September 1999: 80-82.

According to Eddy, his mother had chosen the time and manner of her death and this had been a positive experience for the entire family. "Although we will miss her greatly, her ability to achieve her death at the right time and in her right way transformed for us what could have been a desolate and crushing loss into a time for joy"(Euthanasia.com). Obviously, this man truly cared for his mother and her well being, just as any son would.

involving King Saul of Israel, who became seriously wounded on the battlefield. Fearing the advancing enemy, Saul took his own sword and tried to fall against it. He cried to a soldier, "Come and put me out of my misery for I am in terrible pain but life lingers on." The soldier acted in accordance with the wishes of the king and killed him. The soldier then brought some of Saul's armor to David and said, "I killed him, for I knew he couldn't live." David ordered the soldier put to death (Eareckson, 111).

Later, a nurse called Zylicz at home with some distressing news. After Zylicz had left the hospital, another doctor entered the patient's hospital room and asked her husband and sister to leave. He then ordered an increase in her morphine dosage, but refused to confirm the order in writing. Within minutes the woman was dead. Zylicz demanded an explanation from his colleague. The other doctor's reply was, "It could have taken another week before she died. I needed the bed" (Eads, 93).

A harsh example of this can be seen in the experience of a fifty-year-old woman with cancer of the bones, liver, lungs, and breast. Her doctor was a Polish-born oncologist, Dr. Ben Zylicz. Dr. Zylicz explained to the woman that he could lessen her pain with drugs, and offered her a hospital room. Aware of Holland's policy allowing doctors to end the lives of the terminally ill by such means, the woman stated, "I am Catholic. My religious beliefs would never allow me to accept euthanasia." Zylicz assured the woman that he would take care of her, and she agreed to take the room. After twenty-four hours of morphine treatment she was able to see her family (Eads, 93).

MacDonald, William L. "Situational factors and attitudes toward voluntary euthanasia." Social Science & Medicine. Jan. 1998: 73-81.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Aware Holland's, Five Hink, Medical Association, Vatican Branegan, Dying America, Saul Israel, Virginia Eddy, According Eddy, Douwes Dekker's, America Chronic, terminally ill, quality life, choice dying, terminally ill patient, multiple sclerosis, euthanasia assisted, nursing home, euthanasia wrong, eads 93, euthanasia assisted suicide, november 1998, situational factors,

Approximate Word count = 2160
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Politics