by Shannon Cartwright

Created on: July 15, 2010

Suicide is a social taboo, seen by many as the last act of the desperate or as an act committed by those suffering from untreated or incorrectly treated mental illnesses. Failed attempts at suicide are seen as a cry for help, which usually end in a stint in a mental health facility. However, attention has been drawn to the issue by proponents of assisted suicide and others who view suicide as a right, a personal choice for the individual to make on his/her own.

Dr. Jack Kevorkian is likely the most well known of the proponents of assisted suicide and of recognizing suicide as a right. His exploits gained national media attention in the 1990’s, and a recent film about the life and trials of Dr. Kevorkian seem to have drawn the issue back into public focus.

Many object vehemently to the idea of suicide as a right, based upon moral or religious ideals and the stigma that those who wish for death are mentally disturbed; facing disabilities or illnesses that once treated will relieve the impulse. Certainly, it is a natural impulse to protect life, as the body will do all in its power to continue to function until it simply cannot fight any longer.

However, the idea that all who wish for death are disturbed is a misconception. Many suffer from completely debilitating and chronically painful conditions, wishing for death as a release from a miserable existence. The issue of “mercy killing” or euthanasia for chronically ill persons has likewise inspired debate, as many believe it is unfair for someone to decide how much quality of life is enough.

Religion has a large say, accounting for most of the opposition under the idea that God is the decider of life and death. That said, however, one could not deny the modern medicine has created a situation directly in contrast to his ideal, as people are kept alive by artificial means. Is this not against God’s will?

Further arguments against assisted suicide spring from the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. To this, I say that while guaranteed the right to life, the right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness are also ensured, granting the liberty to choose not to live if it is in the pursuit of happiness. Life is listed as a right not a requirement.

It really comes down to the individual and the situation. It would be hard to justify standing by while one who suffered from a mental illness committed suicide, when there are treatments that could restore quality of life. Even Dr. Kevorkian, who believes that suicide is a right refused to aid patients who showed signs of mental illness, referring them instead to help.

However, in chronic cases in which people suffer tremendous pain, with no hope of recovering or being restored to functionality it is merciful. People, whose only choices are unbearable pain, living in the constant fog of pain medications to manage unbearable pain, or death may view suicide as a viable option. I for one believe that no one should have to suffer through that kind of pain based on the personal feelings and beliefs of others.

In short, suicide is absolutely a right. People can choose to sign DNR’s, but they cannot choose to end their lives by pulling their oxygen? If a pet gets ill or old, we do the “merciful” thing and put them to sleep, but we cannot do the same for a beloved family member who is experiencing excruciating pain? Where is the logic, the humanity, the mercy?

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