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Savannah Smith
13 Feb. 2016
Professor Padgett
English 102

Physician Assisted Suicide: Is it an Acceptable Practice?

One of the most widely contemplated and discussed controversies in the medical field is
the question of human euthanasia and whether or not it should be legalized, not just in the United
States, but in countries around the world. Euthanasia, sometimes referred to as physician assisted
suicide or even more loosely called mercy killing, is the deliberate action taken with aims to end
the life of a person who is in a state of constant suffering. It probably applies most to people who
have incurable diseases or chronic and severe health issues. Euthanasia is a general term, but
there are different categories that fall under it. The difference between active and passive killing
and voluntary and involuntary euthanasia is important to understand, and my research will aim to
explore each of these aspects of euthanasia.
This is a topic of great depth, and because of my interest in the medical field and goal to
become a nurse, it will be both useful and relevant acquired knowledge. I have always held
interest in controversial medical-related issues, and one day it will be important for me to be
well-informed and aware of these controversies. Euthanasia is certainly as issue of morality,
otherwise it would not be so controversial. It does not necessarily affect my morals, but careful
research of the topic may help to solidify a moral opinion on the subject. I do not have any direct
personal experience with euthanasia, but I have had experience working in an assisted living

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facility with sick and elderly patients, who were receiving end of life type care. Nothing in
particular qualifies me to write about this topic other than my own interest in the subject.
Through careful and extensive research, I will be able to present both sides of the
argument and create a better understanding of euthanasia. My discoveries on the issue will
produce the ability to answer my original question or whether I believe human euthanasia is an
acceptable practice. I plan to address areas of the subject such as moral/ethical implications,
professional opinions and viewpoints, general knowledge of euthanasia and what it involves,
pros and cons, and places where physician assisted suicide is already being practiced. All of
these areas will come together to provide an excess of information on my topic, and I will be
able to build an argument in accordance with my beliefs, based on my newly acquired
knowledge.
My first article is about a study that was conducted in the United Kingdom in 2009. The
study included participants from the general public as well as medical professionals and
specialists from different fields of medicine. A survey was conducted that asked a series of
questions about euthanasia and physician assisted dying in order to gain a better understanding of
the attitudes toward legalization of euthanasia in the U.K. The study found that the majority of
medical professionals, especially those involved with high death rate specialties such as
oncology and palliative care, were strongly opposed to the legalization of such practices. In
contrast, the attitude of the general public seemed to be in support of legalization. The study also
showed that religious people, both medical professionals and members of the general public,
were more likely to express opposition to euthanasia. My source was found through Thomas
Coopers online database, which makes it a reliable source. Because it was a scientific study,
most bias has been removed in regards to the author, as it studied both sides of the argument.

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My second source is an article that reviews a well-known and highly consulted book that
was written by Dr. John Keown, an expert on euthanasia. The article highlights some of the
books key points and provides a detailed review on the information presented in the book. It
provides definitions of the different types of euthanasia as well as examples of each and explains
the stances on those situations. I found this source through the librarys online resource center, so
I know the source is credible and accurate. The author of the article is highly qualified with
multiple degrees, including an M.D. Because the book that was reviewed takes on the argument
that euthanasia is unacceptable in any form and the review seems to be in support of this view,
there may be some bias within the article.
My third source is an article that was written in support of the legalization of physician
assisted suicide. PAS is different from active euthanasia in the respect that the patient is the
instigator of death. In active euthanasia, the physician is the instigator of death. The article
addresses several of the points for arguments against PAS and provides rebuttals to the points.
The author uses evidence from places where PAS is legal, such as Oregon and the Netherlands,
to provide support for his argument. This article also addresses the deontological arguments
presented by those who are against PAS. One of the addressed arguments is that of physicians
intent. This argument states that in accordance with the Hippocratic Oath, a doctors intent must
be to save life, not take it. The author of the article refutes this point by saying, Put another way,
if PAS is, in fact, wrong, it cannot be just because the Hippocratic Oath forbids it. Instead, the
Hippocratic Oath must forbid PAS because it is wrong (Dieterle 138). This article
was also found through the librarys resource center, which makes it a
reliable source. The author is a self-proclaimed supporter of physician
assisted suicide, which means his argument will be biased due to his

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personal argument, but it is an excellent source to gain a better
understanding of this particular view.

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Bibliography / Works Cited
DIETERLE, J.M. "Physician Assisted Suicide: A New Look At The Arguments." Bioethics 21.3
(2007): 127-139. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Feb. 2016.
Keown, John. "Euthanasia, Ethics And Public Policy: An Argument Against Legislation."
Journal Of Legal Medicine 24.3 (2003): 395. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Feb.
2016.
Seale, C. "Legalisation Of Euthanasia Or Physician-Assisted Suicide: Survey Of Doctors'
Attitudes." Palliative Medicine 23.3 (2009): 205-212. Academic Search Complete. Web.
13 Feb. 2016.