suicide, is guilty of a felony.”There are two main arguments offered by Christians, and those of other faiths, that advise against an individual seeking suicide, for whatever reason: Life is a gift form God, and that “ each individual is its steward.” Thus, only God can start a life, and only God should be allowed to end one. An individual who commits suicide is committing a sin. Christians believe that God does not send us any experience that we cannot handle. God supports people in suffering. To actively seek an end to one’s life would represent a lack of trust in God’s promise. Of course there are a number of Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists, secularists, non-Christians and liberal Christians who do not accept these theologically based arguments. They believe that each person has autonomy over their own life. Persons whose quality of life is nonexistent should have the right to decide to commit suicide, and to seek assistance if necessary. They also believe that sometimes a terminal illness is so painful that it causes life to be an unbearable burden; death can represent a relief of intolerable pain.Some terminally ill patients are in intractable pain and/or experience an intolerably poor quality of life. They would prefer to end their life rather than continue until their body finally just gives up. Does the state have the right to deny them their wish? Suicide is a legal act that is theoretically available to all. But a person who is terminally ill or who is in a hospital setting or is disabled may not be able to exercise this option – either because of the mental or physically limitations. In effect, they are being discriminated against because of their disability. Should they be given the same access to the suicide option as able-bodied people have?...
