Analyzing the Right to Die Movement

The right to die movement is going strong in America. We should clarify that the right to die is based upon a patient's own decision and not that of the doctor's. If the patient so chooses he can decide to receive treatment up until his final hour. Therefore, the right to die movement should be in the full hands of the patient and trusted family members. Thankfully I am in good health, but what if we were in such a situation? Future planning is essential.

The problem arises when doctors and bureaucrats try to decide when a patient should die or not. This is of course against the law. All doctors can do is offer their diagnosis and treatment. They do not have the power to condemn people. This power is in the hands of the patient himself.

It appears that much of the opposition to the right to die movement is coming from religious fundamentalists. Medical policies should not be based upon the irrationality of religion. The patient has a right to do what they want with their own body and not be subject to the values and dogma of others.

There is a moral reason for allowing people to end their own lives if they choose to. If someone is suffering undue pain and it is conclusive that they are in a terminal state than they should be allowed to end the suffering at their own will. If an elderly person does not wish to prolong the suffering nor does he wish to incur thousands of dollars of costs per day on his family anymore then it is his right to be able to ask the doctor for euthanasia.

Terminal illness should not be used as a wedge issue in the political arena. This is a human issue. The right to die movement is just one social issue bringing to light how government intrudes in the personal lives of people. For those who want to live or who want to soften their symptoms they should have the right to choose which treatment they feel is best for them. This includes the use of medicinal marijuana. In fact, I believe marijuana should be legalized for nonmedicinal use as well.