Dignity can be defined as “the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.” From the moment the human species developed reasonable thought and understanding, the concept of dignity has played an important role in our individuality and cultural perceptions. It is a powerful state of being that is often a source of utmost pride. In this essay, we will discuss the “Death with Dignity Act” (DWDA), a movement to provide options for the dying to control their own end-of-life care, and discuss why it is important that this legislative act and others characterizing euthanasia on humans should become legal nationwide.
On October 27, 1997 Oregon passed the “Death with Dignity Act”. This act allows terminally-ill residents of the state of Oregon …show more content…
One can argue that if there is no joy being brought about by the circumstances of one’s life, there should be no reason to continue living it. While critics say this is a selfish perspective and insensitive toward friends and family, the concept of “bodily autonomy” outweighs emotional connections. This is a cultural notion that a person’s control over their own body is above all and cannot be infringed upon. It is of this same reason we cannot legally take lifesaving organs from corpses unless the person whose corpse it is gave consent before their passing. To breach one’s bodily autonomy and influence the decisions they make for themselves, specifically concerning their quality of life appears disastrous at best. In the case of Roger Sagner from Oregon, who also ended his own life through the “Death with Dignity Act”, his final words thanked the voters of the state of Oregon for allowing him the honor to “solve his own problems.” Those practicing religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism commonly agree that euthanasia is morally unacceptable. However, we must consider the separation of church and state through the law making process and direct our attention to those suffering through a life they have no desire to partake …show more content…
In the five states that presently allow residents to obtain a deadly dose of medicine by a licensed physician, there are certain criteria that must be met: the patients must be eighteen years or older, a resident of said state, capable of making and communicating health care decisions for him/herself, and be diagnosed with a terminal illness that will lead to death within six months. The most influential of these being that you must currently reside in the appropriate state in order to participate in the act. For the elderly that live alone or for those that are unable to leave their beds in the morning who claim residency in one of the other forty-five states, this practically diminishes their chances all together of being able to “die with dignity”. It is also significant because a majority of people with a terminal illness do not want to see their family members, in most cases their children struggle to take care of them in their dying moments. With little independence to move, eat and use the restroom, passing on is easier and more fulfilling than becoming