In the 1990s Dr. Jack Kevorkian brought the medically assisted
suicide discussion to mainstream American. Since that time many states have
voted on the issue, and it is legal in Montana, Oregon and Washington. Last year
a NPR poll showed 55% of people in the U.S. supported the process for terminally
ill people who have 6 months to live.
This issue is tightly bound to many religious traditions. However please respond from a “functionalist” sociological perspective,
and name at least one advantage and one disadvantage of medically assisted suicide.
Link to the NPR story:
Well the people who want to go through with it get it over with quick. But who knows maybe they had a chance to live and yet they chose to die. The only good thing about it is that if they do live they won't be faced with a medical bill the size of the governments debt.
ReplyDeleteMegan N. 08
DeleteIf the chance of recovery was there I could see where that could be a major con. You never know when someone could possibly be cured or not. It is definitely a risk people have to be willing to take when it comes to making the decision of medical suicide.
Tracy Parkinson 01 One advantage to it would be not having to go through the suffering as you were dying and also that you would have a choice in the matter. One disadvantage of it is if the person chooses he want to die and there's family members who don't agree and want to spend the last days with that person. It would cause conflict and possibly fighting and arguing in that persons last days , wich should be enjoyed as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice W 34 in-response to Tracy Parkinson 01
DeleteI agree with you but at the same time the family members who don't come into a decision and are against it should consider the patient health. If the person is in their worst state of being then their opinions doesn't matter. Let the conflict result but sooner or later it will be solved.
Nate Baker tr 6pm
ReplyDeleteThe only advantage would be the avoidance of pain and suffering and medical bills. The cons far out weight that one benefit. Such as; hurt feelings from family members, a quick abandonment from unfinished responsibilities, and lets not forget people are frequently misdiagnosed and many bounce back from terminal illnesses with good treatment. And overall I think it just breeds a lazy attitude condemning you to die like a dog instead of fight to live.
Julian L. 09
DeleteTo say that deciding to end your life is lazy is so wrong, the situation can vary in so many ways. What if the person would rather be put to rest instead of enduring pain for the last days he or she lives? What if the person doesn't want to leave the decision to his family members if/when he reaches a comatose state? That's just insensitive and you're not putting yourself in someone else's shoes realistically.
Trina H 12 in response to Nate Baker
DeleteI have to agree with Nate on this one. There is the possibility of misdiagnoses and recovery. Even if it is terminal, the person is a human and our lives are valued as such. We are not to judge when a life should end.
Selena C.
ReplyDeleteThe main disadvantage I think there would be is the "what if". What if you chose to die but you could have lived longer than the time told to you. What if you chose to die and then a cure for whatever you had was found. Also the goodbyes to the people that love you more than you loved yourself. Obviously the advantages would be no medical debt left for your family to pay after you are gone and the biggest is you would no longer be suffering.
Michelle L.Online.08
Deletei agree with you, many people decide to go on and a cure for their condition is found later. family members are stuck feeling abandoned,angry,and sad. they will always wonder "what if".
Victor V. 01
ReplyDeleteAs others said before, it gives someone the right to choose whether or not they would like to go through suffering for days, weeks, months, or even years on end. They could save tons of money and they could end it when they are ready. It could end the vegetative state patients who I personally believe it does no good to have someone live through.
The disadvantages could possibly be their eventual recoveries or being too quick on the trigger on the decision.
I personally believe it should be a person's right to dictate whether they live or die? Who are we as other people to decide? It is not our right to dictate whether they should live or die. The person in question should ALWAYS have the choice.
Brittany S. Soc. 1101
DeleteI completely agree with an individual to make their own decision to die. Most of the cases that Dr. Kevorkian dealt with were coherent people whom only asked for someone to end their pain and suffering. I watched his documentary on the controversial video of him medically inducing death on a man whom suffered from locked-in syndrome. It actually looked quite peaceful and gentle how he did it. I only hope that if I were stricken with such illness, that I too would be able to have a choice.
Howard C. 01
ReplyDeleteConsidering my strong beliefs in liberty, I do not feel as though government should be able to dictate what one chooses to do to themselves. I do have a moral issue with suicide, but as Jefferson said, "your rights end where my nose begins". The advantages are freedom of the individual and an end to suffering. Potential dangers could include numerous things such as homicides made to look like suicides for insurance purposes. Also, doctors who commit malpractice could try to hide behind saying that the patient requested death. I am sure there would be legal paper work and documentation; however, this did not stop the Nazi's.
Michelle L.online.08
ReplyDeletedespite my opinions about suicide and a doctor being able to decide whether or not to " pull the plug"; i guess one advantage would be the ending of the suffering, medical bills, and emotion turmoil. a disadvantage would be hurt/angry family members filled with questions.
I think and believe, that people should be able to make their own decision on when and how they want to die. The government has not right to say anything in that matter. One of the "advantages" about it is that people who are terminally ill are able to stop their suffering and pain that comes with being so ill. They are able to decided if it is the best thing to do or not to do. One of the "disadvantages" of it would be the shock of emotions that they friends and family member would have if their loved one did not tell them before hand about the decision they are making. But we all have to remember, no one is better at making a decision for you, then your self.
ReplyDeleteAnthony Hubert. Soc 1101
ReplyDeleteI think and believe, that no one should be able to make that choice for anyone no matter relative or no relative. The only advantage is that he/she dosen't have to suffer any longer. Disadvantage would be that they gave up.
Tanya W. 01
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone has the right to die if they choose. One disadvantage is that they may not be in the right state of mind. The advantage is that there is no more pain.
Leightonia B, Online 12 in response to Tanya W. 01
DeleteI agree with you when you stated that the patient may not be in their right state of mind. Another disadvantage is the family’s views. Not all families agree when it comes time to making major life changing decisions. With that being said, the husband of a woman with stage four cancer may be willing to agree to the physician assisted suicide, but her children may not.
Reply to Tanya W. M Williams..We all have rights, we have a right to rob a bank but we would go to jail. deciding to end one's lifes is not the answer even in pain, and how does anyone know if these people will really be out of pain when they died. I would take the goverment size hospital bill over suicide any day.I can't even think of a up side to taking one's life. It was that right that cause Hitler to kill 6 millions jews. As Americans how are we really using our rights. Be bless
DeleteTate F. Online 08
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I think medically assisted suicide is great, for certain medical problems. I do believe that it should always be up to the patient whether or not to accept this though. Some advantages of this procedure would be, of course, that the patient does not have to suffer with pain any longer. They would finally be at peace. The patient would not have to feel like a burden to the relatives anymore. A disadvantage would be that the family and friends would still grieve over the fact of what had to be done to the patient. Also, the patient would not have lived as long as they could have by not doing the medically assisted suicide.
Tate F. Online 08
ReplyDeleteIn Response to Anthony Hubert Soc 1101
I agree with you. I think it should be up to the patient no matter what, unless they are already to a point where nothing can be said out of them. But yes, they would no longer be in any pain. There would be relief. I also agree that the patient giving up would be a disadvantage, but then you think about the fact that they couldn't take suffering any longer.
Megan N. 08
ReplyDeleteChoosing whether you live or die is a major decision. Who wants to live their life knowing at some point they would have to choose whether they wanted a medical suicide or not. I think it is a tough thing to go through in the first place and a person SHOULD be able to make that choice for themselves. The only con side to this would be the fact, like with any regular death in a family or whatnot, the grievance side to it from loved ones. At sometime everyone is going to die. If a patient doesn't want to suffer anymore they should have the right to choose that. Which is a definite pro.
Leightonia B, Online 12
ReplyDeleteI am somewhat torn on this topic. I personally would not want to be a physician responsible for ending anyone’s life for any reason. Physicians are trained to help people and save lives, not take them. Although there is not much that they can do for a terminal patient besides attempt to make them as comfortable as possible, I do not feel as if they should be responsible for killing that person. If a person wants to commit suicide, they should do it on their own. The end result will still be the loss of a life, but it will not be at the hands of someone else. I do not intend to come off as harsh or overly abrasive, but that is my honest opinion. An advantage to physician assisted suicide is that the patient will not suffer anymore, but a disadvantage is the effect that physicians have for being responsible for that person’s death. I feel empathy for a terminal patient’s struggle and discomfort, but I do not think that asking someone to kill them is the right way to handle their situation.
Kirsten H. Online 10 in response to Megan N. 08:
ReplyDeleteI agree with every point you've mentioned. I believe that at the end of the day, whether a person is terminally ill or not, we all have a choice of whether to live or die. The only thing that truly makes this case different is that there are medical professionals involved. The upside is that those who don't want to suffer through an illness have the choice not to, however, I don't think we should include family grief as a downside because that is a factor with ANY and EVERY death. The true downside to something like this is the risk we take with trusting the medical professionals involved. Malpractice is a serious issue, and there would have to be serious rules and regulations involved to avoid that. Overall, I believe if America did pass a law allowing medical suicide, most people wouldn't even want to go through the long, strenuous process it would take to even do it.
heather s 08 in reply to Kirsten H 10
DeleteI have to agree that ironically, the paperwork would probably take longer than the time the person probably has to live. Family grief is unavoidable, however watching a love one suffer terribly can be far more devestating than a simple matter of the moral issues of taking a life. I agree with you that in the end, people have always had the choice.
sandra f.86
ReplyDeleteeveryone is going to die. if someone is going to commit suicide seriously id doesnt matter how. i do not believe we should allow medical suicide.
Tatrika H.12 Online
ReplyDeleteFrom a functionalists' perspective, the choice of life or death is among you! The practice of it may be legal, illegal, or undecided depending on their culture or jurisdiction. Legal or not, assisted suicides do occur, and I think it would be better if it was brought into the open. People in these situations see death as a compassionate way to relieve unbearable suffering; on the other hand, people without family support and inadequate finances could choose this method by being pressured.
Megan M. Online 12
DeleteTatrika I couldnt agree with you more on this beautiful statement. Well written
Tatrika H.12 Online In response to Tate F.Online 08
ReplyDeleteI somewhat agree with you. In my opinion, people should be able to control their own lives; taking a life under any circumstances is immoral. Suicide is wrong in and of itself even for the ill. The requests for death are induced when poor care has been shown.
M. Williams online 10
ReplyDeleteI love life, every life is precious. From a functionalist point of view no one should be given the right to take their life unless, they are able to re-created it. I have empathy for anyone with pain, but taking your life is not the answer, you don't know what miracle could come along. The fact that terminally ill people dont' want to feel pain is an understatement, but I would not endorse anykind of suicide, or murder for that matter. Be Bless all
B Scott 12 online
DeleteI like how you put that they can't take a life unless they could make one. I personally do not agree with assisted suicide, even though I feel for those who may suffer from illnesses without a known cure.
Leslie T. online 08
DeleteI agree with you. I feel like medications should be stopped and let nature take its course. How can you choose to prolong your life and when the medications don't work stop it. I do not mean this by not giving medications to people that need it, just that if it does not work then let nature take the course.
Roanld McGuire
ReplyDeletei don't find it a good thing to tell someone they should that the easy way out of things. Things like that take time and some people don't like to wait or "waste the time" trying to work things out. so they try to take an "easier route" of doing so. why people seek help to make things better not worse
heather s 08
ReplyDeleteI believe this law does benefit society in the fact that it gets us to think about the values of life and the taboos associated with ending it. In the Functionalist Perspective it gives people the boundaries to feel safe in the ability to be against this as it is the "norm". However, being for assisted suicide, you have pushed the envelope of beliefs that have been around for ages and could perhaps be opening new doors and new boundaries to be examined. I don't know if I agree with this or not, but I suppose it would be different if it were a personal matter. I do believe that sometimes thinking outside the box of "norms" can create a much more tolerant world. If this would stop the pain and suffering of anyone that has run out of options, it is worth exploring. A disadvantage to assisted suicide is simply changing the natural order. But I suppose we do that with the benefits of modern medicine every day.
Megan C. 21 in response to Heather S. 08
DeleteI couldn't have said it better myself. Your views are realistic and philanthropic.
Derek S. Soc 1101
ReplyDeleteThe advantage of medically assisted suicide is that if you're suffering, it can be a way out to die peacefully. There's no reason to die in pain. The disadvantage of this is that you are alive for a reason and you never know if a miracle will happen.
Derek S. Soc 1101 in response to Tanya W. 01
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that anyone should be able to decide if they die or not. They didn't put themselves on this earth.
Adetola .M.Online 10
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I don’t think medical assisted suicide is way to help patient ends their life. Patient should determine, if the need arises. The only advantage I see there is the pain and anguish a patients suffers, which at times gives the family emotional and physical drainage. The disadvantage is that it demeans the value of human life. Human life to some is nothing more than a science experience. To stomp out a life, because it is not convenient or it is expensive demeans that value. Human life is much more than just a cluster of biological cells.
Adetola M.Online 10 in responce to M.Willams.10
ReplyDeleteWilliams, I such much like the clarity in your points, and the utmost value you have for life.
Megan C. 21
ReplyDeleteThe advantage of medically assisted suicide is that, if one is terminally ill, and only have 6 months to live, why not end the suffering now? The disadvantage is, if you were to use medically assisted suicide as your way out, how do you know that in 2 months a new miracle drug won't come out to cure whatever sickness is that you may have?
In my opinion, medically induced suicide should not be legal. Because one, how could someone live with themselves knowing that they have taken someone else's life? Regardless of the fact that the person has asked for it to happen, the person performing the "suicide" is still taking their life. Also, if a person was going to commit suicide, they wouldn't need someone else's help to do so.
Megan M. Online 12
ReplyDeleteWell, I personally dont see anything wrong in medically induced suicide. I dont see anything wrong with ending a loved one's ongoing daily pain, especially if they ask for it.
However, I understand that a person's life shouldnt have to end at someone else's say-so.
Natasha E. Online 12
DeleteI agree, I believe it is up to that person. A doctor needs to make sure that person is in their right mind before going ahead and inducing the person to die.
Briana S. 12 online
ReplyDeleteI don't think that assisted suicide should ever become a norm in society. However if there were any advantages, it could end needless pain and suffering. Not only for a patient who has no hope of a cure but also loved ones. In my personal opinion the disadvantages heavily outweigh the advantages of assisted suicide. For one, the legality of the attempted suicide. It would only be a matter of time before cases come along with doctors who supposedly were paid to assist with suicides, and families saying that their loved one didn't want to die.
Emilee A. 12
ReplyDeletePutting my personal beleaf on this topic aside, the only real advantage that I see in a medically assisted suicide for a terminally ill patient is that it would put an end to his/her suffering. The disadvantages are that family and friends aren't going to understand, there will be anger and heartache. And even when you are told by the doctor that you only have 6 months to live, that is just a guess. No one person can pedict with absolute certainty how much life anyone has with or without a terminal illness. Granted sometimes the predictions are correct. But why end your life early? Why not spend the last moments with the ones you love most or doing something that you love? Why give in to the illness?
Emilee A. online 12 in response to M. Williams online 10
ReplyDeleteNicely put! I don't feel that suicide whether it is medically assisted or not should be an answer to anyones problems. This is a mighty big world with wonderful opportunities and possiblities. The family of someone who chose a medically assisted death would be mortified if the next week or month someone found the answer for the cure or to slow the process. Life is a precious!
Marie p. L 08
DeleteIn response to Emilee A.
I totally agree with you I don't believe suicide is the answer in any situation because life is too precious. If we can't give life , we should not take it away either.
Porchia Holden Online 01
ReplyDeleteI believe an advantage of medically assisted sucide is that the individual has the right to decide whether or not he/she wants to live, which I believe is reasonable to give someone the choice in if we allow abortions. I cant say that I support either, however, if our laws allow a person to decide whether or not the child that is in her belly lives or dies, we should also allow the same right to someone who has a chronic medical condition and is suffering in pain. If we are to be against one, we should be against both. If we are to be in support of one, we should be in support of both.
A disadvantage is that although a person may be deemed only six months to live, we can never really say what a person day of death truley is. I know of several stories where a person was only given five years to live, or a person was told their child wouldnt live past a certain age, and then a mirical happens and they live way beyond the amount of time they were given.
Jane N 73
ReplyDeletePeople should be allowed to make this decision when and how to die.And if they are in position not to make decision the family members should be involved. One advantage of this medically assisted suicide is that no more pain and suffering to the person and painful emotions for the family members. Disavantage is medical supplies will be cut short.
Jane N 73 In response to M. Williams
ReplyDeleteI do agree with life is precious and nobody has a right to take it away.No matter which condition and by the way miracles do happen.
Chynna Boggs 01
ReplyDeleteIf a person wants to end his or her life. that is what they are going to do. I have learned from personal experience that you cant stop someone from doing that. One advantage would be that there would be less pain and suffering, also they are not going out alone, a disadvantage would be that if at the last moment someone decided to back out i think they would feel pressured becaused they have already hired someone for support.
Natasha E. Online 12
ReplyDeleteBy working in the medical field I see people die all the time. When I am with elderly and I see them declining it is very sad, because they are usually in a lot of pain. Some on the other hand are not in pain. No matter if they are in pain or not they both are in good terms with God and they are ready to go and they feel like they have lived their life. They do not want to sit around and wait to die, because that is miserable. Even young people that know they are going to die are ready to go and they are tried and just tired of waiting. I feel like people should have the option to help them pass away and with medications they can go with less pain and suffering then what they are already going through. A disadvantage is that they will want the families consent to give them the drug. The bad thing about that is some families don't care if they die. If they die they do not have to take care of them anymore and it is very sad, especially if the person that is dying has alzheimer’s. They can make their own decision and the families do not want to deal with them, because they are not in their right mind. An advantage is that the person can make their own decision and be out of pain.
Natasha e. Online 12
DeleteThey can't make their own decision and the families do not want to deal with them**
Mandy B. Online 10
ReplyDeleteWhat a controversial topic! It is hard for me not to get religious concerning this issue, but I will do my best. The only advantage I can see in this is the fact that the patient would no longer be suffering and would finally be at peace. The disadvantage that I think would be worst would be for the person assisting in the suicide. I don't believe that is something that I could do without wondering what could have been if the prognosis was incorrect and the person would have actually lived longer than expected, or even miraculously recovered. Miracles do happen...
Eric B.12
DeleteEven if there was a miraculous recovery it's possible that they are stuck in a wheelchair or in assisted living for the remainder of their days. That may be great for friends and family but if that person lived an active life previously its more hurtful and almost an insult for them to live the end of their life like that. Rather then having lived a full life they feel like they were cheated and a burden now on everyone else.
Mandy B. Online 10 in response to M. Williams Online 10
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly! There is only one who is to decide when we die. It is not to be put into our own, or anyone else's hands. Life is precious.
Sonya R. 08
ReplyDeleteI agree with the suicide discussion. If a person wants to take his or her own life,that would be their choice, but only if they are in their right sense of mind. Sometimes people don't want to suffer, and don't want to see family members see them suffer. Also some people can't stand the pain. A disadvantage is that if you are a religious person, I was taught if you take your own life , you go to hell.
Sonya R 08.In response to Natasha E. online.
ReplyDeleteI work in a nursing faciity, and most of the elderly that I deal with on a daily basis want to die because they fill like they are burdens to everyone, and they have lived a full life.
Sean Collins
ReplyDeleteDifferent people who are dying have different views on suicide, even if they change therre views, its america they can choose what they want to do with there own body, especailly if they are elderly and have lived a good life
Jon walker
ReplyDeleteI do not think that any law should prohibit someone from ending their own life if they truly sick and do not want to suffer for the rest of their life. If someone wants to end their own life they should be able to. From my experiences it is similar to putting someone that you love down if there was no chance of survival. I have had to do that and if others can make the decision for you, then you should be able to make the same for yourself if you are capable of it.
Elia V. 12
ReplyDeleteI agree with it, if there is a terminal cancer patient or HIV or unable to talk or move or even eat after an accident, they should be able to choose between a hard life not just on them but family members or be in peace with themselves if the end is coming regardless. On the other hand there is liability and who want to take it, the legal side must be very complicated but if they make it legal then a few signed papers and or a video or something should be fine. We don't need people shooting themselves or causing terrible accidents hurting other people.
Elia V. 12 in response to Sonya R. 08
ReplyDeleteAgree with you, they have to think in family members as well.
Courtney Wintzell Online o8
ReplyDeleteone advantage of it is if they are really in pain and is basically a vegetable then yes they should have an option to do that but one disadvantage is if they have unfinsished stuff to do such as getting saved and baptized and all that and what about family members they will be sad with it to. Also many diseases such as cancer can turn around for the better
Courtney Wintzell in response to jon walker
ReplyDeletei think that you are totally right. if a person is truly sick and ill they should have a right to end their own life if they want to.
It's their own life. They have their own beliefs and reasons. Why would i try to control someone else
ReplyDeleteJordanna C
DeleteBrittany S. Soc. 1101 Online
ReplyDeleteThere are many ideological and religious stand points on "the right to die." The opposition surrounding the right to die, in most cases is dictated by religion and perpetuated by the influential role it has in politics. Yet, of the many right movements that have been stigmatized just as this activism, is associated with a religious influence that has created a subversion of the United States Constitution. As a nation that epitomizes freedom, as well as, freedom of religion, I find the platform used to oppose this issue is not based on the fundamental vision decreed by the Constitution. One in the fact where it illustrates we are all born with inherent and individual rights. Where are we drawing the line between the church and the state? Is this really an argument about inhumane practicing, or someone's own personal beliefs on the matter? I admired Dr. Kevorkian and his prominent activism towards the fundamental right to end one's own life if he/she wishes; in the event of illness which inevitably would lead to death, without despondency or discomfort. Kevorkian was a masquerade for the 9th amendment, confidently quoting where it reads, " THE ENUMERATION IN THE CONSTITUTION,OF CERTAIN RIGHTS, SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO DENY OR DISPARAGE OTHERS RETAINED BY THE PEOPLE." Funny how rights are denied to many people, to what people deem appropriate. I witnessed one case where a man by the name Tony Nicklinson suffered from locked-in syndrome. For those who are unfamiliar with this disease, it is a condition where the patient is awake and coherent, yet cannot speak, nor move due to complete paralysis. His right to die case was denied, and sent to the Parliament to further investigate. Who am I to decide if he can medically induce his own death? Shouldn't we deny an individual registering for the army whom is risking his/her own life for their country, knowing he/she may die? What about the argument of this concept being "unorthodox" by the theory of nature? Do we or do we not keep a patient on life support that is in a persistent vegetative state? How is that natural? If this was a matter of faith, then why do we not willingly let nature take its course? What about a family pet? Why does the suggestion of putting Fido "out of his misery" only sound appealing and the best thing to do for a dog? I believe we may put too much empathy and personal principles into this perception. Yet, it is understood that rights are not bargained by government nor the people, they are the birth right for us all. This isn't about the nuance of claiming to be "pro-death," it is the primitive logic and respect for being "pro-choice." And I believe this matter is a personal choice, not for another to decide.
I agree with this being a personal choice. What makes the whole thing complicated is that another person has to be involved in most cases. Many people think that suicide is morally wrong, but it is a clear case of one person taking action against him or herself. In assisted suicide, another person has to help because of how sick the patient is and so we look at that person assisting in a different way. Are they a criminal or are they just being humane?
DeleteChristine W. 27
DeleteI think your response to this subject was very eloquently written. You made some very good points about the constitution and being "pro-choice." I don't see how in a society where you have the right to choose if your baby lives or if someone stays on life support indefinitely that you don't have the right to end your own pain and suffering.
Cynthia H. 44 I agree i think it's a person's personal choice if they are of sound mind they should be able to make that decision and not be judged.
ReplyDeleteCynthia H. 44 I'm a nurse and I will say I am definitely for pro-choice, especially if someone has a sound mind and feels strongly about assisted suicide I would definitely respect that. One advantage is pain and suffering would no longer be, and one disadvantage would be that it violates physician Hippocratic oath.
ReplyDeleteEric B.12
ReplyDeleteI am a complete advocate for medically assisted suicide, if a person has been in the hospital terminally ill and is being told they have 6 months or less to live it selfish to me if other families choose to keep them alive. If the person is in pain and is ready to pass then to keep them alive and suffering is just as bad as killing a person. Sure they might have a chance of bouncing back and living longer but what if that means they are bed ridden or must live out their life in a wheelchair, that my be great for friends and family not ready to let go but especially if that person led an active life style they would not be happy confined to a wheelchair.
Natalie P 10
ReplyDeleteMedically assisted suiccide on the surface seems to be a ending to the suffering of a loved one. However, the last moments lived out in a persons life' rather it be sick and painful is theirs to endure. I was present at both of my parents last breath and so much wanting to end th pain for each of them, It wa snot my job to transition them fro this life. Death is a natural transition in the life cycle. Natural, meaning no person has the right to end it prematurely.
In response to Eric B.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have a very compassionate nature, I understand not wanting your lovd ones to suffer. A terminally ill person given 6 months to live, is their 6 months to live. However, if a person is o life support I can feel they have already transitioned and should be allowed to die naturally. Life support is selfish in my opinion,as well as medically assisted suicide
Cori s. 10 In response to ^that guy
DeleteHow can you say life support and suicide are selfish? Id dying naturally selfish too? If some one wants to die naturally(, and I can imagine that there would be some people that would want to do this) they should be allowed to. It goes back to giving the suffering person what they WANT. Not what society "allows"
If a person is truly at the end of their life and is suffering, why would we not allow them to die. When an animal is suffering we don't have a problem with putting them to death and we think that is humane. We make a decision like that for a sick animal who has no way of expressing what it would like, but when a thinking, speaking human expresses this desire we question it. The positive side of making assisted suicide legal is that the person assisting does not end up a criminal, but is instead helping. This is creates a good balance. On the negative side, even if it is legal, some groups in our society will still see this as morally wrong creating a lack of balance.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice W 34
ReplyDeleteThe law should never get involved when someone wants to end their life, since they are the ones who made the decision. But if the person is experiencing too much pain and their body cant take it no more,then why not save them from suffering from the pain. At the same time what if the person had a chance to live at the end? It all depends on the person decision as well as the family members. The law shouldn't intervene and try to press charges on the doctor, since he is doing his job.
Christine W. 27
ReplyDeleteI for one am a huge supporter of Dr. Kevorkian's work and see many advantages to have medically assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. The most obvious reason would be that people who are terminally ill and who would inevitably die would no longer have to go through all the pain, suffering and loss of self that goes along with their illness. Another reason would be family members and loved ones would no longer have to sit by and just wait for the person they care about wither away. Instead they could all gather and say goodbye while the person still has their wits about them. Outstanding medical bills would be drastically decreased due to not having to stay in medical facilities just for them to prolong your inevitable end. So for theses and other reasons I see no reason why a person shouldn't have the right to die peacefully when they have an illness that is killing them anyways.
As for any decision that has advantages, it also will have it's disadvantages. For this particular subject I can think of a few. I can assume medical companies wouldn't like this for the mere fact that they could loose a substantial amount of money every year. I can also see how some families and loved ones wouldn't take too kindly to loosing the person they love before they feel is time. there is also the possibility that there could be medical breakthroughs that could potentially cure whatever disease a person might have.
So while there are many pros and cons to this particular debate, as I have stated, I believe a person has the right to choose whether they live with a terminal illness or to end their pain and suffering.
Bola T. online 12
DeleteI quite agree with you of your support of Dr. Kevorkian’s work and the advantages that comes with medically assisted suicide for terminally ill patient. Based on this, Physicians has the obligation to relieve pain and suffering patient to die by providing prescription drugs and advise a proper amount to end one’s life. The disadvantages is when our love one’s is found in that kind of situation we won’t want to lose him or her especially when their presence means a lot to us.
Giana Deleon
DeleteCRN 41210
I agree with your post! very well thought out and organized! I think you are right with your idea of insurence companies not liking this. If we as a country can not profit from this somhow someway they may do away with passing this into being a legal practice all over.
Lucinda S online 08
ReplyDeleteChristine W, I don't know if I could be a supporter for Dr Kevorkian. Doctors swear on the Hippocratic Oath and in that oath there is a full statement, "I will follow that method of treatment which according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patient and abstain from whatever is harmful or mischievous. I will neither prescribe nor administer a lethal dose of medicine to any patient even if asked nor counsel any such thing,"
I believe in the Honor of taking this oath.
Now is stating the oath I can also agree with Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in the 5 defined stages of grief.
1. Deniel and Isolation
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
Once a person reaches the 5th and final stage of grief and have accepted their fate, they are more focused on what is real, they understand what is happening to them. And for many, they do not wish to suffer or place burden on their loved ones. So do we grant them their last wish?
I had to make a choice years ago...and I'm not sure if it was the right one.
Bola T. online 12
ReplyDeleteFrom a functionalist perspective, medically assisted suicide promotes a social change in some group members that do things differently from a society. This group may even approve of rule breaking behavior and when they gain enough support they set boundaries. Example, physicians have an obligation to relieve pain and suffering and to promote the dignity of dying patients in their care.
Advantage of functionalist view: It may force a group to rethink and redefine its moral boundaries, helping groups and whole societies to adapt to changing circumstances. Like someone that has terminal illness and has few days to live and he or she is in excruciating pain and agony.
Disadvantage of functionalist view: when the rules are not properly set some group may want to justify their actions of helping others to commit medically assisted suicide.
Whitney C.10
ReplyDeleteJust last semester I wrote a paper for this in my psychology class and also watched a video of a man who went through with assisted suicide. I agree that every person should be able to make the decision of what to do when they are in a situation where they arent going to get better but im not going to lie, watching the man go through with it seemed a little selfish. He was afraid to die and wanted to be able to make sure he knew when it was happening. I guess the positive side of it all is that all the pain and suffering is ended and it takes out the surprise of when your life is going to end to your able to say goodbye. The negative part would be that your expecting your family to be ok with it and not be hurt, to be able to accept it and suck it up and sit and watch you kill yourself
Whitney C10. in response to Natalie P 10
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you went through that with your parents but i have to disagree with you. It would kill every thing inside me to have to make that decision for someone whom i really loved but if that person were suffering and i knew they werent going to make it and they wanted to end it then i would find a way to suck it up and help them out because watching them sit and suffer would be stuck in my head for the rest of my life and thats not something that I could live with.
Jenn L. 08
DeleteThis is how I would also view this situation. I would put my own selfish needs aside (not that you are being selfish, Natalie), to assist the suffering loved one in doing what they wanted to do: stop the suffering and die in peace. I'd rather, personally, deal with that I think than the memories of them suffering and dying slowly for days on end. But this is all speculation as I have never had to watch anyone I loved suffer. Even when my grandmother got sick and passed away, she went quickly and really did not suffer.
Cam S. 12
ReplyDeleteMy opinion on the matter is if a family decides its best for a family member to pass on its the best thing. but one good thing about this matter is it saves the family the pain of going through the long dragged of process of death and it also saves them the hospital expenses which im sure the certain one passing would rather.One bad side is the patient could miraculously getr better and wake up but you might never give them the chance.
Amy H-01 in response to Cam S.12 I hope that the person who is dying is also involved in this decision. I have seen family members who would selfishly end a "loved" one's life for their own gain. I do agree with you in the end. A person can experience a miracle and go on to do mighty things. Just because a doctor gives them 3-6 months to live does not mean they are correct.
DeleteCameron R. 10
ReplyDeleteAssisted suicide will continue to be a main topic in the U.S. for many years and will proceed to be for more years to come. More people are agreeing to legalize this than ever before and it will eventually become legal. This will help families eliminate medical debt and not leave a burden on the family to have to pay the expensive bill. The down side is that health insurance rates will go up and the guide lines doctors will have to follow will probably be bent to where people who can come up with a good reason to die can go through with this procedure.
S. Castro online 12
ReplyDeleteI see critically ill patients and their families struggle with this issue every day. From my position it's easy for me to see why most people faced with terminal illness decide that they are ready to go. They realize the financial strain it can put on family members and federal government for a life that is most cases painful and sad. Some people may call it suicide but is it more like relief? Typical suicide is usually thought of as a coward's response to a painful or tough time, not hastening a short time of life. Most people making this decision are in so much physical pain that they have a hard time enjoying company, or are on such a high dose of narcotic pain relief that whole hated conversation is not a reality. I feel that whatever God (if any) of the patient is understanding of the situation.
Cori S. online 10 reply to s. castro
DeleteFrom a sociological perspective, it is important that we take into consideration the religion of others, because religion is a major aspect of our society. I completely agree with you and what you've said is very well put:)
S. Castro online 12 in response to Cam S. 12
ReplyDeleteWhen families start making the decisions, it can get ugly. Usually there are differences in thoughts and wishes. I agree with you but think at first detection of a terminal illness there should be a very detailed line of questioning to the patient about their wishes. On top of that, the patient should be able to interview family members to make sure if one person is allowed to make decisions on their behalf, it would go through exactly the way the patient would want it to be done.
John MArchant 08 online
DeleteI still don't agree with this, human life is important no matter what state it is in.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJenn L. 08
ReplyDeleteFor me personally, I liken this issue right along side having the choice of an abortion or marrying whomever you love: it is personal and individual and solely up to only the person(s) involved. I do not see how or even why such choices should be governed under the law/government. YOUR LIFE IS YOUR LIFE! YOUR BODY IS YOUR BODY! If you see fit to end it, then that is YOUR CHOICE. I do not understand telling someone what they can and cannot do with their OWN body. I have been extremely lucky in my life that I have never had to witness a loved one suffer from a horrible condition over any amount of time. I try to image what it would be like if I wanted to end my life, what the advantage and disadvantage of that would be and I really cannot answer. I have no bases for which to try to even guess as to what or how I would feel. My only opinion in this matter goes back to what I said in the beginning, it is way too personal of a choice to govern or guess; it requires compassion of the purest kind to let each other be and chose what we need for ourselves, putting our own selfish agenda aside.
Joan M.08 in response to Jenn L 08
DeleteWhile I agree with you about the fact that people should put their selves away, i do not agry with the fact that "your life is your life"; because by being a part of a human race , the sick is a part of a community thereford a family. I do respect each other freedom but when sometimes that big is coming to happen, the sick and the health department need to make sure that the other member surrounding him are also prepared for that. It is a really hard decision to make as a sociologist abd harder when adding everyone religious believes
Assisted suicide would be helpful in situations with terminal illness (such as cancer) that cannot be treated. The only real disadvantage I see is that it IS closely related to religion and morals. People would look on the Doctors that helped in these situations and call them murders (like people do in abortion cases). Things would have to change a lot before assisted suicide is "acceptable" in the public eye.
ReplyDeleteLeslie T. 08
ReplyDeleteAn advantage of medical assisted suicide would be to relieve people in serious pain. A disadvantage would be for people that are just mentally ill. Some people that choose to commit suicide one day will change there mind tomorrow. how would you be able to tell one person no and then the next yes.
According to the functionalism, each aspect of society is interdependent and contributes to society's functioning as a whole. Functionalists believe that society is held together by social consensus, or cohesion, in which members of the society agree upon, and work together to achieve, what is best for society as a whole. If the society agree upon someone deciding on when to take his or her live, then let it prevail for the fact that it is the person’s choice to decide to die and also because it reduces the stress undergo before they die. Notwithstanding, it is of nobody’s power his or her own life because suicide usually carries a curse place on the family.
ReplyDeleteFlorimon Arrey
Cameron R. 10 in response to Natalie P 10
ReplyDeleteI think that its a choice of who wants to do that, If they could not make the choice no need to let them suffer. No person could understand what someone is enduring towards the end of their sickness so who are you to say let them live it out.
Dustin S 12
ReplyDeleteI think the chief advantage to medically assisted suicide is that it reaffirms the persons right to choose their own fate and take responsibility for their life. The disadvantage would be that by it becoming socially acceptable I think that there would be a rise in the rates of suicides among non terminally ill persons.
Raygan D. Online 08 in response to Dustin S.
DeleteYeah i see your point on how it can become problematic. Unfortunately with something like that it should be a privet matter being dealt with by the patients and their families since ultimately it is a matter of personal choice. Unfortunately the fact is something like that just wont stay privet because people just don't know how to keep to their own business and not go into something that has nothing to do with them.
Joan M.
ReplyDeleteIt will be hard for me not to speak with my religious believes but I will answer while looking at it as sociologist. The right for freedom, and especially the pain in family, friends , coworkers eyes are one of the advantages of that discipline. Usually during those most moments , the sick person thinks much more about saving and protecting, not wanting to be a burden for those alive and loved. In opposition, that should definitely not be a duty for the physician, he should be free to assist or not , to follow the hippocratic oath or not, while making sure to try everything in his power to save the person lives. I personally think that people should have much more faith and should fight in whatever health issue they are facing.
Julian L. 09
ReplyDeleteAdvantage - The process of assisted suicide would save cost on the patient's family, pain reducing medicine and medical equipment alone cost a lot of money to use and operate. That money could be used to fund the funeral. Of course, I would only find this acceptable if the patient agrees.
Disadvantage - There would be conflict between families deciding whether to go through with the operation or not. Some Doctors/Nurses would probably not be willing to contribute to voluntary death procedures. Making suicide a socially acceptable option would definitely lead to a higher death count, that's never good.
Amy Hedrick-01 Looking at this from a functionalism point of view, isn't death part of the function of society? There is always someone being born and always someone dying. I may not personally agree with a person choosing to end their life, no matter the circumstance, but I understand why they might choose to do so. Financial burdens, pain, not wanting to see loved ones watch you die. There are many reasons one might want to end their life, but their are just as many to let it happen naturally. One area I would fight for is after fighting a good fight, a doctor needs to know when enough is enough and be honest with the family and help them find a way to deal with the finality of impending death.
ReplyDeleteCam S. 12
ReplyDeleteIn response to Dustin S 12. I totally agree in all aspects. People feel comfort in choosing their own fate but at the same timeif it was fine people who are overly dramatic would use it as a way to commit suicide and it look ok.
John Marchant Online 08
ReplyDeletePersonally I don't agree with medically assisted suicide, but I'll do the best I can from a functionalist perspective. Some of the advantages to society that are associated with medically assisted suicide include the following: less money that needs to spent(thus improving the economy), physicians have more time to spend with other patients who may make a full recovery, and it speeds up the grieving and healing process for the family so that way they can return to society as fully capable citizens sooner. Some disadvantages associated with medically assisted suicide include the following: can be more difficult for the family to understand why the person would want that, is the ending of a human life which is tragic from any perspective, and can cause in instability in stable religious groups.
I agree with your post. Your thought points were very clear to understand.
DeleteChassity H. Online 10
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feeling about medically assisted suicide. The functionalist perspective does make sense. A advantage would be the patient not having to suffer and leave family in debt with medicals bills. The disadvantage would be the person not knowing if the could live past the 6 mo. deadline given. Some people recover when not expected to.
Trina H 12
ReplyDeleteOne advantage of medically assisted suicide would be the person's wishes to be carried out because they don't want to prolong their pain and suffering. One disadvantage would be the caregivers and family members that want to be with their loved one in their last moments not having that time. Although someone may be terminal, there are alot of instances where the person that is terminal has some really 'good days' and feel like themselves again. This is unexpected, but seems to be the natural process as times. My uncle died of colon cancer at the age of 42 and fought it from the time it was found. He did not want to give up. He wanted his time with his wife and children in his last days. A couple of days before he dies his 2 brothers rode up on their Harleys and spent the afternoon with him. The sun was shining, and they laughed and enjoyed pleasant conversation. He, luckily, that day didn't need alot of the pain meds that kept him sleepy. Laughter was his medicine that day.
ClintA online 58
ReplyDeleteAn advantage to medically assisted suicide is if the person is in great pain and can not continue with life. Somone who is to far gone from a recovery. A miracle would be the only thing seemingly to save them. A disadvantage of assisted medical suicide would be family members in great grief who didn't want there relative to leave forever. As usual, it seems to depend on the situation.
ClintA online 58
ReplyDeleteIn response to Dustin. Depending on the matter it seems to be the right choice, though in some instances it could be a problem for society. As if people would be using it as a scapegoat from escape the true world. I suppose life is life.
Jessica H
ReplyDeleteI agree with medically assisted suicide to a certain degree. The advantages are numerous when it comes to a person in pain or a person who cannot function properly and do not want to go on that way. Unfortunately there are some people who would take advantage of the system and fake an illness just because they are depressed and want to die, but can't do it themselves. It is sad because the people who really need it would lose the opportunity because someone decided to cheat the system.
Marie L. P- 08
ReplyDeleteI totally missed this I know it is probably too late. I though I answered it last week. However, I totally disagree with medically assisted suicide because I am a strong believer in miracle. In my opinion, it never over until God said so. At the same time everyone have the right to choose where they want to go when they leave this earth.
Crystal White CRN 41210 CrystalW10
ReplyDeleteFrom a functionalist perspective the advantage or"function" to medically assisted suicide is that it is taking someone out of their missery and pain.Someone that is terminally ill is going through an amount of pain that those of us who have never experienced can never understand or relate to. If the doctor has already given them six months or less to live the medically assisted suicide is just ending there pain sooner.The disadvantage or "dysfunction" to medically assisted suicide is that it could lead to people misusing and abusing the option. I would have to say that abortions aren't much different than medially assisted suicide.
Crystal White CRN 41210 Crystal W10 IN RESPONSE TO JESSICA H
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your perspective. I still haven't decided whether or not I agree or disagree with medically assisted suicide. Me being someone who has never experienced severe long lasting pain, can not say I am for or against it because I want to say I am against it, but then I think about the people that are living in misery and I can understand why they would consider medically assisted suicide.Like you I believe it could lead to misuse and abuse of the option.
Raygan D. Online 08
ReplyDeleteFrom a functionalist perspective i would defiantly say that the advantage to medically assisted suicide would be to just end some poor persons misery, i mean if someone is practically a vegetable and has to be hooked onto a machine in order to even breath. What kind of life is that? i mean sure at that point the doctors are basically just keeping a body stable because I just cant fathom what quality of life are doctors trying to preserve for this person.
And a disadvantage I feel would defiantly be someone coming in and abusing that kind of power in fact there have been famous murder cases about medical "suicides" were an individual with a sir of hero complex comes in and feel as though they are doing a greater good by ending this individual's life even if it means getting no consent from either the patient's family or some sort of document the patient had made before hand saying this is what they wanted should i end up in a certain way.
I worked in a Hospice In Patient Unit for 2 years and have seen many, many old and young pass away. From a functionalist perspective, my belief is this simple: it is their choice. Death is a part of life, and too often I have seen people suffer in their last days, and all they have done is prayed for their day to come. This is where I agree with allowing a person to choose (under certain circumstances) a medically assisted suicide.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I do see some disadvantages to legalizing medically assisted suicides. The biggest question I would have is what if the patient wants to die, but the family decides to keep him alive? With every good side there comes a bad side.
Bailey Glines
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Selena C. It would be very unfortunate to die if there was still a chance to live longer
Giana Deleon
ReplyDeleteCRN 41210
Again I am not sure why I am seeing my replies to people and not my post but I will post again on this matter. If a person wants to take their life and it is a deep intent and desire for them they will accomplish it by any means possible. It is not against the law to commit suicide. If police where surrounding a man who had a gun to his head they cannot do a thing about it. If the person happens to turn the gun on the police then they could then be permitted to kill him. Either way the man accomplished what he wanted. His death! I had a friend who always expressed who wants and desire to kill herself throughout elementary and middle school. Finally freshmen year of high school she accomplished her lifelong wish to herself. If a person wants to, let them. It is an act they have come to terms with and if they cannot and do not wish to have it any other way why not help them if they want help. Knowingly wanting medical help to commit suicide, I feel should be permitted especially for the sick and already suffering dying. If that is what will make them happy and they know what they have wanted for themselves why should anyone stop them as bizarre and taboo as this topic is, if a person truly wants something they shall seek it and not only that but eventually they will find it and if death be one of the things they seek before a natural death why stop them?
Maricela E. online 10
ReplyDeleteI think that if people that are so sick and death is inevitable they should have the right to choose to end their life before it becames harder to live. Some might even be able to help other people by kdonating their organs and helping other people live longer lifes. I actually had this discussion with my husband and I told him that I would not like to get so sick that it was hard for him and my children to see me suffer. So I would like to terminate my life if it was possible and donate my organs.
Maricela E. 10 in response to Cynthia H. 44
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you and a big problem with medicine and science will always be ethics.
James A 75
ReplyDeleteI think if you have to live in irreversible conditions that only promises soon to come death, that you should be able to put your self out of your misery. Advantage: put out of misery. Disadvantage: Miss out on a chance of a miracle happening.
In my perspective, I think that pople should have a choice to end their life when they have a certain amout of time to live, then again their life can always change from them living more years. Advantage is that they have no more suffering on earth. Disadvatage people it will be a sin so I'm not sure if they wpuld go to heaven.
ReplyDelete