Facing the End of Life and the Right to Choose When We Die

At some point in the life of every person on earth, we have to confront our own mortality. The necessity of coming to terms with our own death can occur at any time in our lives. Even in the moment before an accident occurs, there is some realization of impending death. In some cases, we are aware that the end is nearing, and have had time to plan for the eventuality. In other cases, diagnosis of a life shortening illness causes us to consider death and dying prematurely.

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross conducted a study, and defined the five psychological phases that people experience when they are dying in 1969. In the first phase, Denial, the patient refuses to believe that they are dying. The second phase, Anger, is characterized by a feeling of being wronged. In the third phase, Kubler-Ross described patients Bargaining for their lives. The fourth stage, Depression, is finally followed by Acceptance.

While I believe that these phases are typical of the test group, (Kubler-Ross tested middle aged people with cancer), there are many variations in the ways that people come to accept their own impending death.

Dr. Jack Kevorkian, was a major proponent of a terminal patients right to die. Wikipedia states that he has assisted in the suicides of at least 130 patients. While Kevorkian was put on trial more than a few times for helping these patients, it was not until 1999 that he was jailed for second-degree murder.

The Euthanasia Research and Guidance Organization, (ERGO) celebrated the release of Dr. Kevorkian on June 1, 2007. While the 79 year old pathologist plans on retirement, there is still a fight ahead for the rights of terminally ill American patients. Oregon is the only state that allows assisted suicide.

While these same patients are allowed to make legal decisions about Last Will and Testaments, Living Wills, and Powers of Attorney, they are prohibited from controlling the process of dying.

It is not up to our government to dictate how and when we die. I understand that in the case of some severely mentally ill, or incapacitated patients, intervention is necessary, but for someone with all their mental faculties in tact, choosing euthanasia is a personal choice.

Having personally survived two heart attacks before the age of 30, living with 45% cardiac function, and congestive heart failure, I know that I don't want to be left to waste away for days or weeks. I want no part of being kept alive by way of machine. I don't feel like I am anywhere close to the end of my life, and it is possible that I will change my mind. I just want the choice left to me.

By not allowing the terminally ill patient to decide on how or when he/she chooses to end their life, there is too much power given to a grieving family. While they are trying to make the decision to "pull the plug" , that patient is potentially in a lot of pain. Some of these patients will we left on life support until the family is ready to deal with the loss.

Just because the choice is there, does not mean that every terminally ill patient will opt for euthanasia. I can no more tell anyone else when to die than they can tell me when not to do so.