Assisted suicide in the United States
Assisted suicide is the act of intentionally helping another person to end his or her life, often to alleviate suffering from a terminal illness. In the United States, the legality and ethical implications of assisted suicide are subjects of ongoing debate.
Pronunciation
- UK: /əˈsɪstɪd ˈsuːɪsaɪd/
- US: /əˈsɪstəd ˈsuːɪsaɪd/
Etymology
The term "assisted suicide" is derived from the Latin words "assistere" meaning "to stand by" and "suicidium" meaning "the act of taking one's own life".
Legality
In the United States, the legality of assisted suicide varies by state. As of 2021, it is legal in nine states: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia. In these jurisdictions, it is legal for a physician to prescribe lethal medication to a terminally ill patient, who then self-administers the medication.
Ethical considerations
The ethical considerations surrounding assisted suicide in the United States are complex and multifaceted. Advocates argue that individuals should have the right to die with dignity and that assisted suicide can provide a humane end to suffering. Critics, however, contend that legalizing assisted suicide could lead to abuses, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled.
Related terms
- Euthanasia: The act of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. Unlike assisted suicide, euthanasia involves a physician directly administering the lethal medication.
- Right to die: The belief that individuals have a right to end their own lives.
- Physician-assisted suicide: A specific form of assisted suicide in which a physician provides the means for a patient to end his or her own life.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Assisted suicide in the United States
- Wikipedia's article - Assisted suicide in the United States
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