Assisted suicide is the most humane way a person can pass in the developed world. However, it has been a controversial topic within the medical community since the practice was first introduced in medical documents of the 17th century. Assisted death is legal in Canada, however whether it remains legal is yet to be seen.
It is still a recent part of the Canadian medical system, and there are still many who oppose. It is up to the current generation to keep this act legalized, as it gives everyone a more preferable option when facing the end of life. Many medical experts continue to debate for the ethical treatment of the patient and surrounding people, how it benefits the medical system, and against any issues within the program. Assisted suicide needs to stay legalized to provide a painless mean to an end for those in need. Before beginning to describe the benefits of the procedure, it is necessary to explain and define what the process is and some definitions. Assisted suicide outside of the medical community is a crime under section 241 of the Canadian Criminal Code. The code states “241 (1) Everyone is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years who, whether suicide ensues or not,(a) counsels a person to die by suicide or abets a person in dying by suicide; or (b) aids a person to die by suicide.
” Pushing someone else to commit suicide or bring harm to themselves is a crime. On June the 17th, 2016, assisted suicide within the medical community was made legal, providing an exemption to the rule of 241 of the canadian Criminal Code for doctors, nurses, aides, pharmacists, or someone helping the patient if they have a prescription to do so. There are differences between some of the procedures and methods as well. Assisted suicide is when a third party has supplied means to commit suicide. A doctor intentionally giving someone pills to overdose on is an example of assisted suicide, and the person dying knowing full well the effect of the prescription. Euthanasia is when a third party commits the act to another, causing death. An example of this would be a doctor giving a lethal injection to their prescribed patient. Making the difference between the two is essential to some arguments, like how some doctors will refuse to euthanize but will still assist in suicide.
How people feel about assisted death is totally individual, but the option should always be available. It is beyond important to bring the patient what they are looking for however possible, whether that may be an attempt at continuing life or assisted death. Quite obviously, there are enough people asking for assistance in how they die, otherwise the debate would not exist. It is seen as a safe, painless way to end their lives.
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