Elder Suicide Case Study

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The dilemma presented through this case involves the debate related to elder suicide or the “right to die’ (Ghillyer, 2014). The case presents the subject, an older individual, with troublesome health concerns of removable skin cancers and prostate cancer (not currently at an advanced stage). At the time of the case, the health issues are taxing but not currently life threatening (Ghillyer, 2014). The subject predicts the issues may force personal relocation and care could become burdensome to family members (Ghillyer, 2014). Because of these factors, the subject would prefer to exit life at a time, personally chosen rather than face further decline (Ghillyer, 2014). The subject states a preference to end life by selecting the means and …show more content…

The moral right to end one’s own life is highly controversial due to the beliefs surrounding suicide. Many view suicide as a sin because of religious beliefs. Consequently, suicide is a topic of extremely sensitive debate. Others may feel taking one’s own life is a personal right and would even view medical assistance as appropriate. Medical assistance would provide less gruesome alternatives and could make the final moments less shocking. Christians view suicide as an act against God and the precious gift of life. Therefore, Christians do not view personal rights as a factor in this type of situation. Suicide should not be a choice, no matter the surrounding …show more content…

Should individuals have legal power to decide how and when to end one’s life, if the desire arises? Physical and mental decline may provoke an individual to determine the need to end one’s own life. The “right to die” promotes the individual’s ability to choose in this situation. Many people believe this should be available for those who would decide to make this personal choice. However, those opposed to suicide do not have the same opinion.
Question 4
The right to seek assistance is related to the acceptance of the individual’s “right to die”. If the individual has the right to choose when to end his or her own life, then assistance would be a natural right, as well. Assistance would provide opportunity for a more honorable departure. This would remove the necessity for crude techniques and offer humane solutions, including prescription drugs.
Question 5
Giving assistance with a personal request to die would be dependent on one’s own value system and beliefs. If suicide were regarded as wrong, assistance would not be individually suitable. However, if suicide is not seen negatively, then aid would not pose any personal dilemmas and could be acceptable. Personally, suicide is as an act against God and the precious nature of life itself, and helping would not be an

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