Discussion

2014 Controversial Topic: Terminal Cancer - death with dignity versus natural death process
Brittany Maynard's story went viral regarding her choice to move to Oregon, so she could choose
death with dignity (or as some would say assisted suicide) after she was told she had less than 6
months to live from the Glioblastoma diagnosis. A response to her story was generated that went
somewhat viral as well. Kara Tippetts (terminal cancer patient as well) responded to Brittany
through a blog by letting her know she did not have to choose that option. This individual is very
spiritual in nature but feels Brittany was lied to about the suffering she would endure during her
terminal illness.

Obviously, their diagnoses are much different, and their suffering will be much different. They
also both have different backgrounds (children, religion, age, etc.). More importantly, they both
had choices.

Share your thoughts on this controversial topic. You don't have to voice your specific opinion
necessarily if you don't feel comfortable. But think about what patients are considering during
diagnoses, terminal disease processes, etc. It's something many of our patients experience every
day. What ethical/legal issues must be taken into consideration? What legal issues are being
challenged in these situations? Make sure you support your statements with what you have
learned in the course lecture material.

Response

I remember hearing about the topic of death with dignity a few years ago and have had a
lot of time to think about this issue. As a working dosimetrist and radiation therapist I have seen
many patients pass away while under treatment or go to hospice while under our care. I have
seen some patients fight for as long as they possibly can and others who knew their prognosis
and were more accepting of what was to come. I have always been a firm believer that a patient
can choose how and when they want to die when they have a terminal diagnosis. This is a
personal decision and may not be right for everyone based on a person’s own ethical or religious
beliefs.
 It is important to consider what a patient is going through while making this decision and
the legal aspects that a physician also must face while caring for their patient. A physician takes
an oath to not cause intentional harm to any patient and it can be argued that aiding in assisted
suicide is in fact doing harm.1 Others might argue that aiding in their right to die with dignity
shows compassion and should be done under the supervision of a physician.
Interestingly, since the Organ Death and Dignity program started 18 years ago, 1545
prescriptions have been filled and only 991 patients consumed the lethal drug.2 I think patients
feel a huge sense of relief just being in possession of the lethal drug and that they are in control
of their death experience. In the case mention previously, only about 65% of patients used the
lethal medication.2 I think this may show that these patients obtained the prescription in case
other end of life options were not available to them during the process.

1. Lenards N. Professional & Legal Aspects. [SoftChalk]. La Crosse, WI: UW-L Medical
Dosimetry Program; 2016.
2. Buckley T. Physician Assisted Suicide: An End of Life Care Option that Should be Available to
all Dying Patients. http://scholarship.shu.edu/student_scholarship/943. Published 2018. Accessed
September 5, 2018.