Right To Die Movement Research Paper

Words: 1064
Pages: 5

The “right to die movement” has been a controversial topic worldwide. This movement has left many American with questions, and has been a difficult topic for people to decide if they are pro or con. Dr. Jack Kevorkian was a physician who assisted his terminal ill patients to committee suicide even though people did not agree with Kevorkian actions he strongly believed in euthanasia. Kastanbaum defines euthanasia as “good or happy death” (Kastenbaum, 270). Kastenbaum states that, “Many people in the right-to-die movement were opposed to Kevorkian’s approach. They did not want to rely on the judgment of one physician operating outside the legal and medical system. There was particular concerns that some of the people whose lives were being …show more content…
These concepts help people understand euthanasia, assisted death and the right to die movement. Kastenbaum states that “The liberty principle affirms that individuals are free to make their own decision and exercise their own rights except in ways that have been specifically reserved for the state” (Kastenbaum, 271). Patient should absolutely have the right to make their own decisions in regards to their death when they are terminal ill and there is no cure and doctors can’t do anything else for them. Patients should also have the right to informed consent. Kastenbaum states that, “Medical authorities must give full disclosure to patients before proceeding with treatments. What risk as benefits might occur? Only when armed with adequate information would a person be in a position to make an inform decision” (Kastenbum, 271). When people have the adequate information about their illness they should be allowed to make the decision if they would want to terminate their life to end their pain and suffering. “Phsycians are now required to explain the procedures, benefits, and risks in such a way that patients clearly understand what is involved” (Kastenbaum, 272). Kastanbum defines competence as, “Patient must be able to understand the information, make a rational decision, and express that decision cannot be assumed” (Kastenbaum 272). If the patients understand what their physician is telling them about their illnesses and that they will eventually die. It is the patient’s decisions because we all have rights and it should be