Euthanasia Is Not A Standard Form Of Care - 2076 Words

Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia are terms used to define the method in which a close relative and/or doctor of an ill or disabled individual, participates in an activity which directly or indirectly leads to the death of said individual (Garg, Chanana, Rai, Gargi, 2010). Due to the humanistic desire to end the individuals suffering and pain, the behavior is supported by the relative(s) and healthcare (Garg, Chanana, Rai, Gargi, 2010). Since euthanasia is not a standard form of care, the attitudes and practices of the matter vary. Amongst the different opinions of the method comes the separation of states. Throughout the United States, only four states have legalized physician-assisted suicide: Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Montana†¦show more content†¦Euthanasia by action/active euthanasia is defined as â€Å"intentionally causing a person’s death by performing an action such as by giving lethal injection.† And the last one, euthanasia by omission/passive eut hanasia, is not providing essential and conventional care deliberately and letting nature take its course. e.g. â€Å"not delivering cardio pulmonary resuscitation and allowing a person whose heart has stopped, to die.† (Garg, Chanana, Rai, Gargi, 2010). Starting with Pennsylvania, there is a consensus to why euthanasia should remain illegal in the state. Keep in mind, states are free to ban physician assisted suicide since there is no constitutional right protecting it. The topic is as controversial and sensitive as the abortion debate. Adversaries such as Pennsylvania argue that a medical professional’s job description does not entail ending a patient’s life and that it breaches a doctor’s oath as healers (FindLaw, 2014). Currently in Pennsylvania, anyone who intentionally aids or solicits another to commit suicide in Pennsylvania may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor (one to two years in prison) and a $5,000 fine (FindLaw, 2014). This may include procuring the necessary supplies or confirming the plan through email or other communications, but without actually going through with the plan and attempting the suicide. If the person s actions actually cause a