Photo from Brian

My friend Toy recently asked me to participate in a bioethics survey for one of his grad courses. It was fun. Here’s a snippet:

Q:
In Oregon there is a legal act known as Death with Dignity Act; this states that under four conditions one is legally permitted to be prescribed a drug that will end one’s own life. The four major requirements are as follows: -one must be a legal resident of Oregon. -one must be at least 18 years of age. -one must have received a terminal, 6 month diagnosis. -one must be able to convey one’s wishes in writing or verbally, regarding the decision to end his or her own life. Should this be a legal option for those who choose to die in a ‘dignified’ way? Why or why not?

A:
An interesting question here. For me, how one approaches this question has a lot to do with how one views death.

Interestingly, the question presupposes that there is a non-dignified, non-respectful, type of death. I find this point pertinent because I suppose it’s those remaining behind (still living) who actually make this designation of “dignified death” or “non-dignified” death, i.e. it’s the living who are ascribing meaning to one’s death, not the dead person.

For me, death is not a “bad” thing in and of itself. For me, death is not the opposite of life; birth and death are indeed part of life. So, from my perspective, the question “is there a dignified type of death?” is a bit like asking “is there a dignified type of birth?” I’m not so sure that this makes sense…For me, all of life is sacred; that includes birth and that includes death. In other words, I don’t think there is such a thing as a non-dignified death. All death is dignified.

Now that that is cleared up, obviously what we’re talking about here are the human actions which may cause someone’s premature death. This is certainly important.

In regard to ethics, I see this type of assisted suicide being a major issue for those with particularly strong religious convictions (e.g. traditional/conservative flavors of Christianity) concerning death, the way in which it occurs and, most notably, the destination of the “human soul” (Heaven or Hell).

For me then, personally, these type of traditional/conservative Christian convictions are of little concern, i.e. I don’t think one goes to “hell” if one commits suicide. I feel the Oregon legislature is acceptable, because I do see the dignity, and humanity, in attempting to ease ones needless suffering, especially if it is requested by the one who is suffering. However, I would add at least one other condition. Namely, that those considering ending their own life undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation, and also consider psychiatric and/or spiritual counseling if at all possible.

Tags:assisted suicidebioethicsdeathToy Adams