Expanding the Right to Die

INTRODUCTION

André da Loba

Some readers who commented on a Room for Debate forum about the dismal state of elder care said they wanted to be able to end their lives on their own terms to avoid a drawn-out, onerous death. A 29-year-old woman with terminal brain cancer has announced a campaign to support physician-assisted suicide leading up to her own death next month. Since Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, Montana, New Mexico, Vermont and Washington have permitted it.

Should the right to die be expanded further, and if so, what should the standards be?

READ THE DISCUSSION »

DEBATERS

Oregon Shows That It Can Work Sensibly and Fairly

THADDEUS M. POPE, HEALTH LAW INSTITUTE, HAMLINE UNIVERSITY

Safeguards ensure that patients who are terminally ill make voluntary, informed decisions. There is no evidence of exploitation.
It Violates Medical Principles and Is Dangerous

IRA BYOCK, INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN CARING

Holland shows how such measures get out of control. While the state of dying in America is outrageous, two wrongs don't make a right.
Everyone Deserves to Die With Dignity

ANITA FREEMAN, SISTER OF TERMINALLY ILL PATIENT

I watched my 66-year-old sister die in pain from Stage 4 liver cancer. It took five weeks and it was excruciating for both of us.
Too Many Questions Remain

ILORA FINLAY, PROFESSOR OF PALLIATIVE CARE

This is not about compassion or choice or morality. Those are common currency to both sides of the debate.
Limit Agressive Treatments for the Sickest and Oldest

SANDEEP JAUHAR, CARDIOLOGIST AND AUTHOR

I see it all the time: sick, elderly patients being treated by a slew of specialists who aggressively order tests and procedures that result in physical (not to mention psychological and financial) harm.
Denying Someone a Peaceful Death Can Be Unethical

JOHN M. GROHOL, PSYCHOLOGIST

When doctors equate healing with quantity of life, they ignore the quality of life. If suffering is intolerable it is inhumane not to end it.