PHIL 103 Podcast

The right to death with dignity is a controversial topic in human rights. It involves allowing individuals with terminal illnesses to choose to end their lives in a peaceful and dignified manner. Currently, death with dignity is not legal in New York, but there is a movement to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act. Supporters argue that individuals should have control over their own end-of-life care, while opponents raise concerns about abuse and religious/moral objections. The concept aligns with medical ethics by prioritizing the relief of suffering. Safeguards and regulations can address potential issues. The right to die with dignity is seen as a fundamental human right that respects autonomy and offers a compassionate alternative to prolonged suffering. In the realm of human rights, the right to death with dignity stands as a fundamental pillar, yet it remains stuck in controversy and obscured by moral reservations. This contentious issue, often cast in the shadows of societal traditions and religious doctrines, demands a thorough re-evaluation. As an advocate for human autonomy and compassion, I assert that individuals should possess the right to make informed choices regarding their own end-of-life care, including the option to pursue death with dignity. Death with dignity is defined as an end-of-life option governed by state legislation that allows certain people with terminal illnesses to voluntarily and legally request and receive a prescription medication to hasten their death in a peaceful, humane, and dignified manner. The death with dignity movement first gained national momentum in the 1990s after Oregon introduced their first assisted dying bill in 1989. Since then, 10 jurisdictions have passed death with dignity legislation, and many states are continuing to fight every year. As of today, death with dignity is not legal in New York. New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act is one of the most important measures before the New York state legislation in 2024. A new survey shows that New Yorkers overwhelmingly support medical aid in dying by a 72-23% margin. To qualify under death with dignity statutes, you must be an adult resident of a state where such law is in effect. You must be capable of making and communicating your own health care decision, diagnosed with a terminal illness that will lead to death within six months, and capable of self-administering and ingesting medications without assistance. The death with dignity legislation outlines the process of obtaining such medications, such as safeguards to protect the patients and physicians. The prescription medication is provided to the patient by a physician who participates in assisted dying laws to be taken by the patient in their place of choosing. As a senior nursing student with first-hand experiences of patients with chronic and terminal illnesses, I have witnessed the profound impact that these conditions can have on individuals and their families. In the clinical setting, I have seen patients endure immense suffering, both physically and emotionally, as they face the realities of their condition. It is within this context that the concept of death with dignity resonates deeply with me. The right to death with dignity is not just a theoretical debate, it is a matter of compassionate care and respect for the autonomy of individuals facing the end of their lives. At the heart of the debate lies the principle of self-determination, a cornerstone of individual freedom and autonomy. Just as individuals have the right to make decisions about their health, education, and livelihood, they should also maintain control over the final chapters of their lives. To deny individuals the right to determine their own fate is to deprive them of a fundamental human right and perpetuate unnecessary suffering. Consider the plight of those facing terminal illnesses, ravaged by excruciating pain and diminished quality of life. For many, the prospect of protracted and agonizing decline is more terrifying than death itself. In such circumstances, death with dignity offers a merciful release, a compassionate alternative that respects the inherent dignity and autonomy of the individual. It allows individuals to retain agency over their bodies and destinies, sparing them from prolonged suffering and allowing them to depart on their own terms, surrounded by loved ones in a loved environment. Moreover, the concept of death with dignity aligns with the principles of medical ethics, which prioritize the alleviation of suffering and the promotion of patient well-being. Physicians take the Hippocratic Oath at the end of their residency to do no harm, yet prolonging the suffering of terminally ill patients through treatments and interventions contradicts the oath. By providing patients with the option of death with dignity, healthcare professionals can fulfill their duty to relieve suffering and uphold the dignity of their patients. Critics of death with dignity often raise concerns about the potential for abuse and coercion, fearing that vulnerable individuals may be pressured into ending their lives prematurely. While these concerns are valid, they can be addressed through stringent safeguards and regulatory frameworks. Legislation permitting death with dignity includes rigorous eligibility criteria and safeguards, such as mental health evaluation, terminal illness diagnosis, self-administration of the medication, the limitation to just adults, a waiting period, and the certification of eligibility by two physicians. Multiple layers of oversight serve to safeguard against abuse and ensure that the decision to pursue death with dignity is made freely and without coercion. Furthermore, opponents often invoke religious and moral arguments against death with dignity, contending that life is sacred and should be preserved at all costs. While religious beliefs should be respected, they should not dictate public policy or infringe upon the individuals who hold differing beliefs. The separation of church and state demands that public policy be grounded in secular principles and respect the diverse beliefs of a pluralistic society. Just as individuals have the right to practice their religion freely, they should also have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and end-of-life care following their values and beliefs. Throughout my nursing school experience, I have learned firsthand the importance of patient-centered care and respecting the wishes and values of those under my care. This principle is especially critical when dealing with end-of-life decisions, where each individual's perspective and autonomy must be at the forefront. In my clinical experience, I have seen patients who, despite receiving the best medical care, continue to suffer immensely due to their terminal conditions. In these situations, the option of death with dignity would provide a compassionate and humane alternative, allowing them to end their suffering on their own terms. One patient who stands out in my memory was an older man who was suffering from recurrent infections alongside his terminal diagnosis. This patient was in and out of the ICU to treat these infections, never seen beyond the four walls of the hospital. While this man was strong and ahead of household, you could see his condition worsening by the day. For this man, the option of death with dignity could have provided him with the peace and control he likely longed for in his final days. It would have allowed him to say goodbye to his loved ones on his own terms, free from the physical and emotional pain that had plagued him for so long. The legalization of death with dignity is not an endorsement of suicide or a dismissal of the sanctity of life. Rather, it is the recognition of the complexity and nuance surrounding end-of-life care. In many cases where death with dignity isn't legally available, individuals may resort to drastic and potentially dangerous measures to end their life. Legalizing death with dignity doesn't promote death, but rather acknowledges that death is an inevitable aspect of the human experience and affirms the rights of individuals to confront it with dignity and autonomy. By embracing death with dignity, society affirms its commitment to compassion, autonomy, and the inherent worth of every human being. Consider yourself or one of your loved ones. Would you want the option of death with dignity available? The right to die with dignity is a fundamental human right that must be upheld and protected. It honors the autonomy and dignity of individuals facing terminal illnesses, offering them a compassionate and merciful alternative to prolonged suffering. By legalizing death with dignity and implementing robust safeguards, society can ensure that individuals have the freedom to make informed decisions about their own end-of-life care, let us stand on the right side of history, and affirm the right of every individual to confront death with dignity.