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How do doctors become the last guardians of life? Explore the story behind medically assisted suicide!
Medically assisted suicide is the last option provided by doctors when patients are faced with unbearable pain or terminal illness, allowing these patients to end their painful lives in their own way. The legal, ethical and medical debates involved in this process continue, reflecting the contradictions and difficulties humans face when facing issues of life and death.
Laws and regulations regarding medically assisted suicide are generally based on respect for the patient's autonomy, not on doctors' disregard for the nature of life.
Legal Background of Medical Assistance
Medically assisted suicide is already a legal option in some countries. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and some states in the United States. However, the scope of these laws and the conditions under which they apply vary widely. For example, in some countries, patients must meet conditions such as being "mentally sane" and "voluntarily expressing their wish to end their lives on multiple occasions," while in the United States, only patients who are predicted to live less than six months can apply for this option.
For patients, the reason for seeking medically assisted suicide is often not only physical pain, but also the desire for their own dignity and not wanting to be a burden to others.
Pros and cons assessment
People who support medically assisted suicide believe that it not only relieves patients' pain, but also represents the patient's right to make independent choices. However, opponents point out that such practices may lead to "real consent" that cannot be guaranteed, especially for some vulnerable groups in society.
"We must be careful that medically assisted suicide does not become a tool of social pressure to coerce distressed patients into this option."
Medical ethics and the impact of faith
Medical ethics continues to debate the morality of medically assisted suicide. Many doctors adhere to the Hippocratic Oath and believe that assisting a patient in suicide is a violation of their medical duties. Different religious beliefs have significantly different views on this issue. For example, the Catholic Church strongly opposes any form of suicide, while some more modern views believe that respecting the patient's choice should be the primary consideration.
"Even at the end of life, we still need to respect the choices behind every life. This is true humanitarian care."
Public and medical professional views
The survey shows that the majority of the public supports medically assisted suicide, but the attitudes of medical professionals vary. According to a 2019 survey, about 60% of doctors support legalizing medically assisted suicide in their states, but many of them express concerns about the safety of the relevant laws, believing that they may degenerate into a breeding ground for other social problems.
Conclusion
Combining various viewpoints, medically assisted suicide has become a hot topic in social debate. It involves issues such as law, medical ethics, religious beliefs and personal choices, and is full of complexity and controversy. Ultimately, when faced with the choice between life and death, can we find a balanced and humane path?
