Assisted Suicide Debate Rages On

Death, as a subject, is full of ethical dilemmas. By its very nature, death is somewhat controversial. It is surrounded by superstition, religious connotation, and mystery. Without knowing exactly what happens after death, it becomes incredibly complicated to discuss issues even pertaining to death.

Assisted suicide is one of those many ethical dilemmas. Assisted suicide is defined as a doctor's assistance in a patient's suicide. This is very different from Euthanasia in which the doctor is responsible for terminating the patient's life. For example: a physician-assisted suicide might involve a doctor giving a patient a prescription for a lethal dose of medication that can be used at the patient's discretion. Euthanasia would involve a doctor giving the patient a lethal dose of medication directly by injection.

Assisted suicide is, based on its simple definition, an emotionally charged issue. Supporters believe that it offers an individual autonomy and gives them the choice to live (or not live) their life as they see fit. They request the right to make life and death decisions about personal health without any government interference and wish to control the time, place and manner in which their own death occurs. Supporters of PAS believe that the quality at the end of life is just as important as the sanctity of life. Furthermore, they believe that when the quality of life is greatly diminished by the intervention of medical technology designed to prolong life, assisted suicide should also be part of the options available to all terminal cases.