By: Tori Lyman
Assisted suicide has been a topic of controversy for years. The topic first surfaced in the 1990s when Dr. Jack Kevorkian, better known as “Doctor Death,” pioneered euthanasia. He is famously known for assisting 130 deaths over his career. Some see him as a patron of death, yet Kevorkian pioneered an idea that has allowed people to choose no longer tio succumb to their disease in a painful or undignified way.
Though there are few areas in the world that allow assisted suicide, it has slowly become more acceptable throughout the years. Within the last 10 years New Zealand and Australia have legalized assisted suicide in their countries. The United States also has four states that allow for physician-assisted suicide: Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Montana. Assisted suicide is a viable, respectable option for those who are struggling with terminal illnesses. When they receive the news from their doctors that death is inevitable and will be excruciating, they should have the option to choose the alternative route of assisted suicide. However, in most areas of the U.S., assisted suicide is not an available choice. In 46 states, assisted suicide has been shot down by state and national legislation.
Assisted suicide is a topic that, in recent years, has seen little media attention. However, it is an issue that more people should be made aware of. Although it is a topic of controversy I firmly believe that assisted suicide is an ethical and honorable way to end one’s suffering. Many people who are in this position are faced with the disheartening news that their passing will be horribly painful, so these brave individuals decide that they would like to pass in their own dignified way. However, in order to have the right to die in a pain free manner, state legislation must pass the necessary laws.
With the many other social issues dominating the media, assisted suicide does not get much attention. Recently, however, Brittany Maynard broke the nearly decade long recess on assisted suicide activism. She was told by her doctor last year that she had a rare form of terminal brain cancer with no hope in sight of a full recovery. Maynard knew that when the time came, she wanted to die on her own terms. With assisted suicide illegal in California, Maynard and her husband moved to Portland, Oregon, so that she would have access to proper doctors and medication, which would aid her assisted suicide. After moving to Oregon, Maynard decided to embrace life fully and traveled with her friends and family across the globe. Maynard lived the last fews days of her life surrounded by the ones she loved. Once her symptoms became unbearable she decided that November 1st would be the day she ended her short life.
Maynard is a true inspiration to those suffering from terminal illness who feel that they have no choice. However, because of the halt on the Death with Dignity Act, many people will not even be made aware of the options they have, much less have the ability to utilize them. The fact that this bill has not been passed is a disgrace to those who are faced with the news that their lives will be cut short, and in order to change this, the bill must be pushed to the forefront of government leaders’ agendas.
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