Physician Assisted Suicide By: Maeberly Daniel, Haley DiCristofaro, Michelle Abi Ghosn, Fena Patel, Cindy Nguyen, and Muhammad Nasir

What is Physician Assisted Suicide (P.A.S.) ? noun ~ the suicide of somebody with an incurable disease carried out with the help of a physician. Some common lethal medications include: Seconal (secobarbital) Nembutal (pentobarbital) $125 for a 10 gram dose Typically, 9 g of secobarbital in capsules at one time. $1,000 for a dose 10 g of pentobarbital liquid, to be consumed at one time. Both Can cause paranoid or suicidal thoughts and impair memory, judgment, and coordination. Can slow breathing and lead to death.

Ethical Issues Does P.A.S. impact the quality of life? Does the Hippocratic Oath impact this decision or view? (The oath upholds physicians “to treat the ill to the best of one's ability, to preserve a patient's privacy, to teach the secrets of medicine to the next generation, and so on.” ) Who’s decision is it and what age should you be able to make this decision? Who’s at fault if the patient has undergone the procedure, but later it is discovered that the patient was given the wrong diagnosis and prognosis?

Why is P.A.S. Favored? People should be able to make their own decisions. If there’s no other option to ease the suffering and the sickness worsens, the patient should be able to decide to end it. Healthcare costs can be reduced. Vital organs can be utilized and sent to save other patients.

Why is P.A.S. Deeply Opposed? Promotes suicide and the concept of medically killing humans is becoming a societal norm. Encourages patients to believe that they are a burden to their family. What if modern technology and medical research develops new treatment and possible cures for the patient's illness. P.A.S. is a method to pay for healthcare. It makes death seem like it can be bought and handled so lightly. Decreases the value of human life. Can go against religious beliefs (burden/harder for the family). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk0_X7Yb7jA

Fast Stats Since January 27, 2016, prescriptions have been written for 1,545 people, and 991 patients have died from ingesting the medication that were legally prescribed to them under the law. (Oregon). Since 2009, prescriptions have been written for 725 people, and there have been 712 reported deaths. (Washington). Between May 2013 and May 2016, physician reporting forms have been completed for 24 people, according to the Department of Health. (Vermont).

Brittany Maynard, 29 Years Old Brittany had only married for one year before she knew she had aggressive brain cancer She had 6 months to live and she didn't want her family to watch her dying in pain Her and her husband came to a conclusion to continue with the planned death The family originally resided in California but they had to make the move to Oregon because it is one of five states where death with dignity is authorized. She says “nobody has the right to take away the option from someone who is terminally ill”

5 states that have legalized P.A.S. California Oregon Vermont Washington Montana Legalized through legislation Legalized through court ruling http://euthanasia.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000132

What Do You Think? Are you against or in favor of P.A.S.? Who’s decision is it? Patient? Parents/Relatives? Doctor? If you were able to make this decision for yourself, would you? What age do you think is appropriate to allow someone to make this decision on their own?