The Case Against Assisted Suicide

The discussion around the legalization of assisted suicide often centers on the individual, but the implications extend far beyond personal choice. Legalizing assisted suicide in the United States, particularly within the context of our profit-driven healthcare system, poses significant risks to society as a whole.

Assisted suicide, with its price tag of less than $500, presents a troublingly inexpensive alternative to costly life-sustaining treatments. In jurisdictions where assisted suicide is permitted, patients may be subtly steered towards this option, especially when expensive treatments are denied or delayed.

This coercion is particularly alarming when considering the vulnerability of patients within government-funded healthcare systems. Moreover, the absence of stringent requirements for assessing patient consent and voluntariness creates fertile ground for potential abuse, with heirs or caregivers potentially influencing vulnerable individuals to choose assisted suicide.

Critically, assisted suicide laws often are expanded and then fail to distinguish between truly terminal illnesses and conditions that could be managed with proper treatment. This dangerously broad definition of terminal illness raises concerns about the eligibility criteria for assisted suicide, potentially putting patients with treatable diseases or disabilities at risk.

Contrary to popular belief, untreated pain is rarely the primary reason behind the decision to pursue assisted suicide. Instead, factors such as loss of autonomy and fear of being a burden on loved ones are more commonly cited. Furthermore, the lack of mandatory psychiatric evaluation or treatment for patients seeking assisted suicide overlooks the prevalence of treatable mental health conditions among individuals considering this option.

The legalization of assisted suicide also poses a threat to the improvement of palliative care services, diverting attention and resources away from efforts to provide comprehensive end-of-life care. Moreover, it perpetuates discrimination by creating unequal treatment between those whose suicides are prevented and those who are provided with lethal drugs as a supposed solution.

In light of these concerns, it is imperative that we approach the issue of assisted suicide with caution and consider the broader societal implications. While the desire to alleviate suffering is understandable, the risks associated with legalizing assisted suicide far outweigh any perceived benefits. Ultimately, our focus should be on improving access to quality end-of-life care and supporting individuals through compassionate alternatives to assisted suicide.