Q: As a caregiver, do you have an opinion about doctor-assisted suicide?
A: This isn’t something I have to deal with at all at work, but it is definitely something I have found myself wondering about.
As caregivers, I’m sure we all have an opinion on the topic. I find myself conflicted on the issue: When talking with someone who is for it, I feel like they come up with good evidence and arguments. But then when I talk to someone who is against it, I rethink my opinions.
I don’t know if there is a right or wrong answer to this. Here are a few questions that help me to look deeper into this topic. See what you think:
- Should Kevorkian-style services be available to any patient that is terminally ill and facing certain death in six months?
- Is there a difference if the patient is in unremitting physical pain or if they are suffering from emotional despair?
- Is it relevant that pain can be reduced through modern pain-relieving techniques?
- Should the option of a support group and hospice care be made mandatory for all terminally ill patients?
I am still going back and forth on this topic and I would really love to hear your thoughts on this.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:13 am
I am a supporter of doctor assisted suicide. Who are we to say “you need to suffer physically and emotionally until your body decides to give up”. If it could be part of my healthcare proxy it would be. We may be able to manage a patients physical pain but what about their emotional well being?
June 29th, 2009 at 10:35 am
I think most nurses have an opinion that fluctuates with different patient diagnosis. I’ve had patients that have broken my heart with pain and suffering and I believed that it would be the kindest act for their suffering to stop. I’ve had others that fight to get better, no matter what.
All I know is that if it were me, I’d like someone to help me gently and peacefully maintain my dignity by helping me slip quietly to the next level.