Pullman's Argument Essay: Death With Dignity

Words: 1208
Pages: 5

There are countless interpretations of the word “dignity,” and in order to understand dignity through the eyes of individuals in support of PAD one must take into consideration the different ideologies involved. Behuniak describes “dignity” in numerous ways throughout her paper Death with “dignity.” I would like to draw attention to Pullman’s opinion of dignity as a means of “moral grounds for the duty to relieve pain and suffering disrupts the aesthetics of living a meaningful life and individuals perceive a loss of dignity” (22). This definition posits that anyone suffering from a terminal illness or disability, as well as those suffering physical and/or mental pain, are living an undignified and unjust life. Ironically, Death with Dignity …show more content…
While there will always be a multitude of different perspectives regarding this topic, the only opinion that truly matters is the one of the actual persons suffering. They know what is best for them, and while we may have different ideologies than they do, it does not give anyone the right to judge their decision and claim it to be incorrect or immoral. The fundamental rights of individuals is a major focus in Canada, and if these rights are neglected as a result of ideologies, then the rights revolution has done nothing towards the security of rights for persons. We should admire and look upon the European countries and American states, like Netherlands, Belgium, Oregon and Washington, that have legalized DWD by PAD as well as Quebec that has gone forward in making it a provincial law. I believe that all persons suffering from a fatal illness and who are mentally capable of making the decision on their own should be granted the right to choose death with dignity during the final stages of their life if they