Death And Dying Sociology
Sociology | Death and Dying | What Constitutes a Good Death | | Christine | 11/20/2009 |
Review of Bill Moyers programs |
What constitutes a good death?
Living with Dying I found the section with Dr. Bartholeme particularly intriguing and educational. As a doctor for years he not only had to experience a terminal illness, he also lived the healthcare world on the other side. He pointed out in the discussion that he did not feel safe at the hospital as a patient. He also found out how valuable health insurance is a not only for when you are healthy but for the stage at the end. After a grieving period, he came to terms with the discovery of having a terminal illness. It showed how one man's will to spend his remaining life …show more content…
Jim Wichter’s has ALS. He is fighting every step by not accepting the phases the disease takes on his body. He has expressed the desire to commit suicide versus going thru the phases of the disease. Jim sets a goal as to when he wishes to take his life but as each phase approaches, he changes his deadline. To me this would make one think, "Is assisted suicide ever acceptable?” When Jim was ready, he stopped medication and feedings to let nature take its own path at the end. Kitty Rayl who resides in Oregon is planning the last days and using assisted suicide. In Oregon, they have the Death with Dignity Law. The law states assisted suicide is available to one who has a six-month terminal diagnosis by two physicians and has stability of mind to make the decision. The doctor visits Kitty regularly to discuss her wishes and make sure she has not changed her mind. Kitty had made the decision and designated a day but her daughter talked her into waiting 24 hours. Kitty missed the window of opportunity she could no longer swallow. Therefore, she had to let nature control her death. Assisted suicides are controversial. Many religions do not believe in suicide. Administering medicines for the purpose of death some doctors find unethical. At the same time, these same doctors increase levels of morphine to alleviate the pain, which also may speed up the normal process of one’s death. This would not be considered an assisted suicide; the doctor is only trying to reduce the pain. Poor people seem to have fewer choices than the middle and upper class due to less education on the choices. Doctors and families often have to make decisions for the patients. This happens due to us not talking about death. No one wants to theorize their own death so when it happens; one may be incapacitated and not able to make decisions. Some families without the financial resources to receive hospice
Review of Bill Moyers programs |
What constitutes a good death?
Living with Dying I found the section with Dr. Bartholeme particularly intriguing and educational. As a doctor for years he not only had to experience a terminal illness, he also lived the healthcare world on the other side. He pointed out in the discussion that he did not feel safe at the hospital as a patient. He also found out how valuable health insurance is a not only for when you are healthy but for the stage at the end. After a grieving period, he came to terms with the discovery of having a terminal illness. It showed how one man's will to spend his remaining life …show more content…
Jim Wichter’s has ALS. He is fighting every step by not accepting the phases the disease takes on his body. He has expressed the desire to commit suicide versus going thru the phases of the disease. Jim sets a goal as to when he wishes to take his life but as each phase approaches, he changes his deadline. To me this would make one think, "Is assisted suicide ever acceptable?” When Jim was ready, he stopped medication and feedings to let nature take its own path at the end. Kitty Rayl who resides in Oregon is planning the last days and using assisted suicide. In Oregon, they have the Death with Dignity Law. The law states assisted suicide is available to one who has a six-month terminal diagnosis by two physicians and has stability of mind to make the decision. The doctor visits Kitty regularly to discuss her wishes and make sure she has not changed her mind. Kitty had made the decision and designated a day but her daughter talked her into waiting 24 hours. Kitty missed the window of opportunity she could no longer swallow. Therefore, she had to let nature control her death. Assisted suicides are controversial. Many religions do not believe in suicide. Administering medicines for the purpose of death some doctors find unethical. At the same time, these same doctors increase levels of morphine to alleviate the pain, which also may speed up the normal process of one’s death. This would not be considered an assisted suicide; the doctor is only trying to reduce the pain. Poor people seem to have fewer choices than the middle and upper class due to less education on the choices. Doctors and families often have to make decisions for the patients. This happens due to us not talking about death. No one wants to theorize their own death so when it happens; one may be incapacitated and not able to make decisions. Some families without the financial resources to receive hospice