Death with
Dignity Act
Thesis statement:
Every Terminally ill patient should have the right to die with dignity and in
peace.
I.
What is the Death with Dignity Act?
A. Allows
terminally ill patients to be prescribed lethal medication as an aid in dying.
II.
What is the process in becoming a Death with Dignity
Act candidate?
A. Must
be diagnosed by two doctors to have 6 months or less to live.
B. Candidate
must be competent and receive a mental health evaluation.
C. Reside
in a state that offers assisted suicide.
III.
What states have passed the Death with
Dignity Act?
A. Oregon
B. Washington
C. Vermont
IV.
How terminally ill patients view Physician
assisted suicide.
A. Promotes
human dignity
B. Pain
free death
C. Loved
ones by their side
D. Dying
on their terms
E. Not
having to experience the loss of bodily functions, or the basic body functions
F. Not falling
into a comatose state, which has other risks (bed sores ect.)
G. Not
being dependent on caregiver/family
V.
Opponents of the Death with Dignity act.
A. Feels
it devalues human life.
B. Feel
it’s an easy way out.
C. Believes
they should make use of nursing homes.
D. Heavily
medicate to attempt to keep patient comfortable.
E. Fear
people will abuse it
F. Fear
the lower class will resort to it due to financial issues.
Conclusion:
The Death with Dignity Act promotes human dignity for terminally ill patients.
It gives them the ability to have control over their final days/ months of
life. They know soon they will not
be able to enjoy things they once enjoyed doing. More than likely they will be
dependent on a caregiver, and in time will no longer be able to do the basics
of life. Physician assisted suicide should be considered a positive resource
for terminally ill patients, rather than an easy way out. They have the right
to die peacefully on their terms surrounded by the ones they love.
