Human Euthanasi An Ethical Dilemma - 1858 Words

Abstract The right to die act is referred to as physician-assisted suicide or human euthanasia. The concept allows a person to choose to end his or her own life with medication, prescribed by a physician. This act has recently been implemented into the State laws of Oregon, Washington, California, and most recently, Colorado. As a result, the topic of human euthanasia has increasingly become an ethical dilemma. Supporting and opposing arguments have been stated and continue to be analyzed without any resolution. The present paper is intended to give an overview of such arguments regarding human euthanasia, ethically and legally. In addition to the ethical dilemma, the importance of patient rights, advocacy, and sensitive nursing care is†¦show more content†¦Those who disagree with human euthanasia, argue that if one chooses the right to die with dignity, they will be displaced from civilized society (Math Chaturvedi, 2012). Contrary to this view, palliative care is an active, compas sionate, and creative option for caring for the dying (Math Chaturvedi, 2012). As a result of the recent 2016 election, Colorado has approved Proposition 106, the End of Life Options Act that has further brought light to the controversy. Interestingly, fifty-six percent of Colorado physicians and seventy percent of Colorado residents support the option (deathwithdignity.org). The decision to end life during a suffering illness has become more widely accepted for many reasons. For example, those who are suffering choose to end their own life so their family is not burdened. In addition, it is not uncommon for a person with a terminal illness to accept that they are dying, wishing to end their suffering along with spare their loved ones from having to suffer too. One may argue the right to life. By deciding to medically end their life provides a spiritual opportunity to donate their organs, hence, the right to life (Math Chaturvedi, 2012). In an article, one argument in favor of th e right to die states that physician-assisted suicide; for its purpose is human euthanasia and one must not be confused with the term â€Å"suicide.† Such terminology can mislead a person