The Issue Over Euthanasia And Assisted Suicide - 1231 Words

Sooner or later, each of us will experience that dagger in our heart called grief. Dealing with grief is a challenge like no other. How can you pick up the pieces, heal the wounds, and move on without feeling like you re betraying the memory of your loved one? As a nurse, I have sat with families who have just received that dreaded news that no one ever wants to hear, families who aren’t prepared for the avalanche of emotions that sweep over them when the final moment comes, even if they knew death was imminent. Despite the gamut of emotions we feel, grieving for a loved one helps us cope and heal. The intense, heart-breaking anguish indicates that a deep connection has been severed. Without a doubt, grieving is painful. But it is also†¦show more content†¦Dying with dignity is a growing movement that works to ensure terminally ill Americans have the freedom to choose from a full range of end-of-life options, including how they die (Death with dignity). Currently, onl y four states, California, Oregon, Washington and Vermont have death with dignity laws. Now there are twenty-six other states considering these laws (Death with dignity). The Death with Dignity laws are a great addition to practices already in place. They give patients of all stages of terminal illness the right to end their life before the end stages of pain and suffering occur. Perhaps patients would not have had to endure such suffering which may lead to the removal of life support had she had the right to choose her death long before such life saving devices were needed. I believe that every patient who is suffering has the right to choose to end such suffering. In my first year of critical care nursing, I have also assisted in easing patients suffering during their last few days, hours and breaths. Death and dying acts pertain more to patients who still maintain the ability to seek and obtain specific medication in order to choose when to specifically end their life. I full y support this act as I believe that anyone, at any stage of their illness, has the right to end their suffering. We as medical providers have a legal and moral obligation to not promote pain and suffering,