The article “Death on Demand Is Not Death with Dignity” by Debra Saunders represents her idea of the impossibility of accepting assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. The author uses the example of Brittany Maryland, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and moves to Oregon as assisted suicide is legal there (Saunders). Britany wants to change rules and provide others with the chance to die with dignity. However, Saunders rejects that committing suicide does not mean it, while such legislation might create the basis for abuse and poor outcomes for other patients who do not have the same strength and views as Brittany has. The author sounds convincing when she speaks about the problem and discusses it. First of all, Saunders emphasizes the fact that everyone has the right to their own visions and perspectives on how to manage their lives (Saunders). It is a fundamental freedom, and no individual can be deprived of it. The author also explains that she likes Maryland’s mood and readiness to struggle and end her life with dignity. However, accepting some of the reasons offered by Britany, the author introduces counterarguments to justify her position. One of the strongest ideas offered by Saunders revolves around the concept of dying with dignity. Saunders says that those who do not choose suicide cannot be blamed for lacking dignity (Saunders). At the same time, it might create a precedent and result in the wrong understanding of palliative care and the life of people who has similar conditions. Altogether, Saunders uses numerous arguments to refute statements made by Maryland. She sounds convincing as the decision to stay and struggle demands more courage and dignity compared to assisted suicide.
Work Cited
Saunders, Debra. “Death on Demand Is Not Death with Dignity.”SFGATE, 2014, Web.