4 Myths About Physician-Assisted Suicide
- Elizabeth Molina
- Oct 7, 2019
- 2 min read
Let's take a look at the common misconceptions, both positive and negative, regarding assisted suicide:
1. All People Looking into PAS Are Only Interested Because They're in Unbearable Pain
It's common to think the patients involved are gasping at their bedside every night, in suffering pain. And this isn't to say some people don't experience that. Recent studies show, however, that the main reason cited for participating in PAS is loss of autonomy (approximately 97.2%), no more enjoyment in basic lively activities (88.9%), and loss of their dignity (75%). Depression typically accompanies these reasons, though patients can find treatment for this before engaging in the practice.
2. The Legal "Right-to-Die" is Different from the PAS "Right-to-Die"
The legality of patients asking doctors to desist and discontinue care is well known. It can be seen in cancer patients rejecting more chemotherapy, or another chronically ill person requesting a DNR form. Essentially, what's understood about this process is that the patient wants the medical team to back off. No more. The right-to-die policy is seen in a negative view: no treatment to enable death.
With PAS, it is the exact opposite. Death would still occur for the patients participating, however this decision is seen as a positive right-to-die policy: the patient is effectively being given more treatment to end their life.
There is a right-to-die in both views, however, one is through lack of medical treatment and the other is through the use of medical treatment. Legally, we need to stop pretending those are the same thing.
3. Only People with Chronic or Incurable Illnesses are Eligible For PAS
The guideline for a chronic or incurable disease in regards to applying for PAS is that the disease must cause death in the patient within 6 months.
This would then apply to a healthy 18-year-old with type 1 diabetes who discontinues taking insulin.
It would also apply to an anorexia nervosa patient who continued without treatment.
This gives "incurable" a new identity. Essentially, with a valid reasoning, these types of people could potentially be eligible. Honestly, this does seem a little dangerous. Perhaps more moderation and updated guidelines can pinpoint the guidelines exactly, because the notion of death within 6 months without treatment can include many ailments.
4. Doctors Who Willingly Participate in the Practice Have No Regrets
On the contrary, a quarter of 38 oncologists interviewed said they regretted their decision. There have been reports of patients being intimidating and pressuring their physician. It's understandable to feel "burnt out" from this. Some doctors are ultimately halfheartedly giving their patients lethal drugs.
However, I feel this can be combated by requesting another mental screening for the patient in question. If someone is going through these motions with a physician, there may possible be other causes at play.
In general, more regulation does need to occur. I feel like with anything, this comes with time, even though human lives are in the question. A perfected system doesn't often happen overnight.
Sources:
Comments