Current Interpretation

Currently, there are three states that allow physician assisted death (PAD). The first state was Oregon, in 1994 when voters approve "Death with Dignity Act", however the law isn't actually in place until 1998. Next to follow was Washington, who's laws take effect in March 2009. And most recently, PAD was legalized in Montana in December 2009. Many other states, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, and New Hampshire have had failed attempts at legalization. Currently, even Vermont is addressing the issue and may possible become the next state to have PAD legalized.

Constitutional Connection

The constitution is kind of vague and there's lots of room for interpretation, but the 14th amendment is the part that applies best to physician assisted suicide. It states that "...Nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without the due process of law,". This would make most people think that "a state cannot allow physicians to take away any life" however, it is highly doubtful that the founding fathers were thinking of this situation when the constitution was made. Like I said before, technology has changed,  

Issue Explanation

The controversial issue of “dying with dignity” or having the right to die really started in America in the late 50s. Around this time, because of technological advances, the lives of terminally ill patients could be sustained longer. This aroused the question of if quality of life is better than quantity. This is such a controversial topic because doctor, above all else, are supposed to help people and to make them better. How do they help them if the only way to do so is assisting them in suicide?

Right to Die

The topic of physician assisted suicide is one I don't know too much about yet. My opinion so far is that everyone has the right to choose all things involving their own life. If there is a 80 year old terminally ill man, who would rather die peacefully with his family, than wither away being kept alive on a machine or deal with the pains of his disease, than yes by all means, he should be allowed his peaceful death. However I can see the other side of the argument as well. Not so much the religious aspect of it, but the fact that there will be some circumstances where it is not right for a doctor to help someone kill themselves. Also, legally it is going to be hard to draw the line between when someone actually wants to end their own pain, or are just being influenced by other family members to not be a financial burden. I think I need to do more research on the topic before I decide which viewpoint I agree with.

As of right now, I still have a few questions. Will this euthanasia be available to everyone in extreme pain and/or terminally, or just the elderly? How will doctors feel about killing someone, even if in their opinion there was still hope for recovery? What if it goes against their religious/moral views? What about life insurance? What if someone is not conscious or mentally able to decide for themselves, is it all right for their family to?