The doctors who help end the suffering of terminally ill patients have been

wrongly imprisoned for their actions. I support assisted suicide for patients with a

terminal diagnosis. I am giving my speech about the positive effects of legalizing

assisted death such as the relief of knowing you can choose your own destiny and

physicians may know that they can give the most extensive comfort to a tragically ill

patient.

There are many positive effects that come along with assisted death. One of the

main benefits is that a patient gets comfort knowing that they get to choose their

destiny. It is a huge relief being able to feel in charge of something that will ultimately

end a life. The patient gets to feel a strong sense of power. Assisted suicide has a

negative feel to the word, so the APA changed the name to assisted death. It is the

choice of the patient, when they want to die, not when the disease will kill them. Studies

by Elizabeth Goy have shown that a large number of people who were prescribed lethal

medication do not move forward with taking it. Having the prescription is there as an

option gives the patient a sense of control over their death. It helps to allow them to

focus on living the rest of their life well, and not suffering or scared to die.

Another benefit is the support of the family. Families of patients who decide to get

a prescription for a lethal medication ultimately are more prepared and accepting of their

loved ones death. This is due to the communication that is had when a terminally ill

patient discussed their options with their family. They are able to talk about the different

outcomes and how they would feel in the end. This type of conversation can eventually

lead to an easier shift in the patient's end of life. Patients are able to have their final

goodbyes with their loved ones.

 Another positive aspect of assisted dying is that the physician can feel like they

have given the best care possible to their terminally ill patient. According to ProCon.org,

it helps doctors to know that they are giving compassionate care and respect to their

patient. They can know that they did absolutely everything possible that they could do.

Doctor Timothy Quill states that it is part of a doctor's job to help people die better, they

are committed to caring for people all the way through to their death and sometimes that

requires helping people die. Many doctors have said that although it's not an easy job to

work with people facing their final days, it is often a gratifying one. When an assisted

death is planned ahead of time, the doctors can make sure that any good organs can be

donated. A donation of organs can bring peace knowing that others are being helped.

Assisted suicide not only makes the patient feel more at ease, but their physician as

well.

On the other hand, there are some people who do not agree that a person can

choose to end their life. They believe that death chooses you. Another concern many

bring up is that there are no assisted dying laws that promise resources to a terminally

ill patient. Elizabeth Goy states that not having those laws “feels discriminatory to a lot

of people with disabilities.”

I have just spoke on potentially legalizing assisted suicide due to the positive

factors such as the relief of knowing you can chose your own destiny and physicians

may know that they can give the most extensive comfort to a tragically ill patient.

APA.org suggests that “the best thing we can do is be open to the concerns, continually

be looking for data and challenge our own biases as best we can.” Therefore, the next
time you hear someone who is on their deathbed wishing to end their torturous life,

please think of this speech and see their viewpoint.

Thank you