Analysis of Legalization of Euthanasia in America and Its Implications

This essay delves into the complex and often controversial topic of euthanasia legalization in America. It begins by examining the current legal landscape, noting that physician-assisted suicide (PAS) has been legalized in some states since 1997, but under strict guidelines. The essay references key articles that provide data-driven insights into the practices and attitudes surrounding euthanasia in the US, Canada, and Europe, highlighting the increasing prevalence of PAS cases. The discussion explores the ethical and legal debates, including arguments for and against the right to die, patient autonomy, and the role of healthcare providers. The essay considers the implications for healthcare facilities and society, emphasizing the need for safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals while respecting the wishes of those suffering from terminal illnesses. It concludes by advocating for a balanced approach that considers both the legal and ethical dimensions of euthanasia, offering a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing debate surrounding end-of-life care in America and the importance of respecting patient autonomy.

Running head: LEGALIZATION OF EUTHANASIA IN AMERICA
LEGALIZATION OF EUTHANASIA IN AMERICA
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LEGALIZATION OF EUTHANASIA IN AMERICA
Emanuel, Ezekiel J., et al. "Attitudes and practices of euthanasia and physician-assisted
suicide in the United States, Canada, and Europe." Jama 316.1 (2016): 79-90.
The article by Ezekiel et al. talks about the status of euthanasia legalisation in the
United States. The legal status of euthanasia which is a term for suicide assisted by the
physician is discussed in this article in the basis of concrete data and the practices that are
followed in America and other countries.
Euthanasia had been illegal in the United States for a long time, however, since the
year 1997, physician assisted suicide (PAS) have been made legal in America. However,
there are many guidelines which have to be followed to ensure that no undue advantage is
taken by the people of the practice of PAS. The patient has to be at least 18 years old to apply
for PAS or euthanasia and has to have 6 months or less time for their survival.
There is a high increase in euthanasia and even though the practice is still rare, there
have been many reported case of this practice.
Hudson, Peter, et al. "Legalizing physician-assisted suicide and/or euthanasia:
Pragmatic implications." Palliative & supportive care 13.5 (2015): 1399-1409.
Peter et al. in the article talks about the legalisation of euthanasia and physician-
assisted suicide which has been a topic of continuous debate for many years due to several
ethical and legal constraints that surrounded this practice. There have numerous requests of
euthanasia in several healthcare facilities over the years which had triggered the legalization
of this practice.
There have been many cases where patients with long suffering disease have
requested for euthanasia based on their claim that the suffering cannot be endured by them
for a long time and moreover, there was no chance of survival for a long time. Even though

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the practice would have many implications on healthcare facilities and the society, it is fair
that the patients who are suffering be relieved of their pain by legalising the practice.
The articles therefore states that based on the number of requests that have been
received by healthcare facilities it is advisable that euthanasia be legalized so that the patients
might get a chance to have a say on their own lives.
Grant, Edward. "Legal/Legislative Issues in Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted
Suicide." The Catholic Lawyer 36.3 (2017): 6.
Grant in this article talks about the practice of legalisation and the ongoing debate
whether legalisation should be made legal in America and other countries based on the
several requests that have emerged in the western countries. The article specifically talks
about the legislation that have been passed to stop the practice of euthanasia by one Dr. Jack
Kevorkian of Michigan.
Despite the blocking of the practice there have been many debates whether the
practice should be made legal or not based on the fact that people over 18 years of age who
are suffering from terminal illness need to be allowed to request for euthanasia since many of
them are not able to bear the suffering that comes their path. It is debated that the right to die
movement should be allowed to patients, however, keeping certain safeguards.
Keeping the safeguards, the legalisation of euthanasia should be dome in several other
stated of America so that people who are not able to suffer anymore would be given the right
to die.

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References:
Emanuel, Ezekiel J., et al. "Attitudes and practices of euthanasia and physician-assisted
suicide in the United States, Canada, and Europe." Jama 316.1 (2016): 79-90.
Grant, Edward. "Legal/Legislative Issues in Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide." The
Catholic Lawyer 36.3 (2017): 6.
Hudson, Peter, et al. "Legalizing physician-assisted suicide and/or euthanasia: Pragmatic
implications." Palliative & supportive care 13.5 (2015): 1399-1409.