inued recovery, one that is not certain. A person who is under that much pressure may want to end their lives themselves, without the help of doctors. It would be more ideal for a patient to communicate their wishes to their families to avoid a more tragic and emotionally painful death. In 1994 Oregon passed a “Death with Dignity Act” allowing doctors to legally administer a fatal overdose of drugs to their patients. This law comes with several safeguards. The patient must undergo counseling to rule out any possibilities that they are mentally ill or depressed. They must make two oral requests and one written request (that must be witnessed) that they wish to be put to death. The patient must be a resident of the State of Oregon, and it is suggested that the family be notified.Although there are many safeguards to the law, abuse of any law in inevitable. There are a few loopholes in the law passed by the State of Oregon. One is that the requests required do not have to be done in person. It is acceptable that the oral requests are done over the phone, and the written request can be mailed in. A person has to only say that they are legal residents of Oregon and be registered to vote in the state. Notification of the family members before the patient’s death is only suggested, not required. It is only required after the patient has been put to death. Euthanasia, to some, seems like it would be taking the “easy way out.” Others argue that it takes God’s work into our own hands, when it should be He who decides when we die. With the State of Oregon passing the Death with Dignity Act, the rest of the country can watch the developments unfold, and consider for themselves if euthanasia is something they feel should be legalized. Many would agree that if euthanasia is legalized, enhanced enforcement of the laws should be established as to avoid any wrongdoing or abuse. With the new developme...
