Physician assisted suicide is the voluntary ending of a patient’s life through

medication administration. The patient will receive medication in a calm and

controlled environment, such as their own home or a place where they feel safe. The
medications, such as secobarbital or pentobarbital, will sedate the patient so they pass
away with as little discomfort as possible. The American Medical Association says
Physician Assisted Suicide is used so a patient may end their life with as little
suffering as possible. In order to request physician assisted suicide, the patient must
have a terminal illness that would cause death in six or less months. This terminal
illness must be diagnosed by two physicians. The patient needs to be competent, their
own power of attorney, and thoroughly think this decision through. The patient should
utilize interprofessional care and be referred to a psychologist to discuss their feelings
on ending their life.

Physician Assisted Suicide supports patient autonomy. Harvard Health States,

“Autonomy is the right of the patient to make decisions about their medical care
without their health care provider trying to influence their decision.” Patient autonomy
allows for patients to make decisions about the medical care they receive and the
choice of when to stop treatments as well. This is similar in a way to someone who
decides to be DNR/DNI or do not resuscitate and do not intubate. A patient who has
chosen to have physician assisted suicide has the opportunity to be thoughtful about
the end of their life. Being able to make this decision may decrease the patients
negative emotions associated with death. The patient is encouraged to take this time
and spend it however they wish. Patients aren’t suck in a hospital bed, but instead
spending time with people they love doing things they love. Physician assisted suicide
allows for meaningful connections before death.

Physician assisted suicide supports a utilitarianism view. Utilitarianism is the

greatest good for the greatest number of people. This good is different for each person
it affects. The patient views it as good because there will be an end to their suffering.
Loved ones might see it as a good because the patient has moved on to a better place,
and they aren’t left with the financial burden of prolonged hospital stays. Other
patients will also benefit, there will be more resources available and more health care
professionals available for those who wish to have medical treatment. Further on,
society can benefit in incidences of Medicare and Medicaid, their tax dollars will not
be spent on someone who doesn’t wish to live any longer and instead the money will
be utilized for someone who wishes to have medical care.

Physician assisted suicide ends the patients suffering in a humane way. If the
patient is committed to ending their life and physician assisted suicide is not available,
they may seek to do it in other ways. Other incidences of suicide are typically done in
private, and others are not told about these plans beforehand. This kind of suicide
leave someone to find the patient. The person that finds the patient after suicide is
most likely going to be traumatized, confused, and hurt. In physician assisted suicide,
the patient is able to have an open discussion about dying with others. The patient is
encouraged to discuss this with their loved ones to hopefully receive support on their
decision. The patient doesn’t have to die alone since others are able to be there when
the procedure happens.

Physician assisted suicide allows the patient to pass on with dignity. The
patient has a terminal illness and without physician assisted suicide will most likely
end up in a palliative care or hospice setting. With disease progression the patient will
become more and more dependent on others. This is a very vulnerable feeling that
many do not want to experience. In some instances, patients with terminal illness will
live at home and be cared for by their family members. This forces the family member
to put their life on hold and causes the patient to be feel dependent and vulnerable
around someone who they should feel comfortable and loved. Physician assisted
suicide lets the patient have control over the illness instead of the illness controlling
the patient. The patient is able to make the decision to end their life and be thoughtful
with their time left. Patients are able to say goodbye on their own terms.

Bookmark. (n.d.). Physician-Assisted Suicide. American Medical Association.

Retrieved October 12, 2022, from
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ethics/physician-assisted-suicide

Carolyn A. Bernstein, M. D. (2018, May 7). Take Control of Your Health Care (Exert
Your Patient Autonomy). Harvard Health. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/take-control-of-your-health-care-exert-
your-patient-autonomy-2018050713784