Most people think that those who pursue physician-assisted suicide (PAS) want to end unbearable physical pain. Pop a pill then both you and your pain are gone. That’s because advocates promote the idea with misleading claims.
For example, Compassion and Choices (formerly the Hemlock Society) claims it’s seeking to transform our health care system which “…allows too much needless pain and suffering.”
PAS is currently allowed in: Oregon, Washington State, Montana, Vermont, California, Colorado, Washington D.C., Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine, and New Mexico. It is banned by law in Georgia.
Results of Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act (passed in 1997) expose the lies about why people turn to PAS. Its 2020 annual report shows unbearable pain is far from the main reason people seek to end their lives.
Loss of Dignity Ranks High
Over the 23 years since the act’s implementation, 1,905 people have legally killed themselves. Leading the list of reasons was the fear of losing autonomy. Second was fear of being less able to engage in activities that make life enjoyable. Next was loss of dignity.
Other reasons included not wanting to be a burden to others and a fear of losing control of bodily functions. Less than one quarter of the people cited “inadequate pain control, or concern about it.”
In her book The Inevitable, author and journalist Katie Engelhart draws similar conclusions. “Most people who choose to end their lives at a pre-planned moment are more concerned with things like dignity…autonomy,” she says.
A Canadian study of 112 patients who resorted to assisted-suicide found that pain was not the main reason either. Loss of control and independence, as well as not being able to participate in enjoyable and meaningful activities, topped the list.
Not Necessarily Simple or Dignified
Another reality found in the Oregon report is that the process is not always as simple and “peaceful” as claimed.
In a number of cases there were complications. 33 people either had difficulty ingesting the drugs or regurgitated them. Three had a seizure. Sixteen had other difficulties including eight patients who regained consciousness.
Further, the report shows the process is not necessarily quick. The median time to die was 30 minutes, but the maximum was a shocking four days and eight hours.
Turning People into Compost
Aside from promoting misconceptions about why people choose to kill themselves, Oregon has further dishonored the Personhood of individuals sanctity of human life by recently becoming the third state to allow a person’s remains to be turned into compost and fertilizer.
The move follows a growing demand from environmentalists across the country to clean up the end-of-life industry.
Supporters believe traditional burial or cremation in various ways adds to pollution of the environment and should be replaced with what is labeled “natural organic reduction.” One advocate told People magazine, “I love the idea of helping other life. Is it a tree? A Flower? Whatever – go thrive. I’ve had my turn. After my death, it’s their turn.”
The practice, which is legal in Washington State and Colorado, is expected to be approved soon in California and New York.
All of these issues—encouraging people to give up on life, downplaying the reality of assisted suicide, or turning people into compost—show how far down the slippery slope of disrespecting the Personhood of every individual has taken us.
There are numerous methods available to ease real pain and suffering that should be made available to people who need them.
Pro-Personhood supporters are encouraged to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or to Georgia Right to Life (770-339-6880) for resources that will help equip them to support, guide, and love a friend or relative who is considering ending their life.
Sources: compassionandchoices.org; people.com; patientsrightscouncil.org; epcc.ca; npr.org; verywellhealth.com.
By Wayne DuBois
Georgia Right to Life
Media Relations Advisor