Death with Dignity

In the United States, assisted suicide, more formally known as “Death with Dignity,” is legal in several states.

Three Types of Assisted Suicide:

  • TLS (Termination of Life Support) – Involves stopping medical procedures that keep a critically ill person alive.
  • PAS (Physician-Assisted Suicide) – When a doctor provides a patient with the means to end their own life, typically by prescribing a lethal dose of medication.
  • Euthanasia (mercy killing) – The act of intentionally ending someone’s life to relieve them from suffering.

What Does the Bible Say?

  • Human life is made in God’s image. Human life is a sacred gift and a basic and intrinsic good.

Death is an enemy and normal part of life. Death was not a part of God’s plan. It came into the world as a result of the entrance of sin (Rom. 5v12; 1 Cor. 15v21–22)

  • Taking an innocent life is a sin. (Ex 20v13)
  • God is the only one who can end life. (Heb 9v27)
  • Take care of the dying. We are obligated to care for the most vulnerable, which throughout the biblical period clearly included the dying.
  • Suffering has redemptive value.

Arguments for Assisted Suicide:

  • Autonomy Argument: Individuals should have the right to choose the timing and manner of their death.
  • Compassion Argument: Assisting in the death of a suffering individual can be seen as an act of mercy, relieving them from unbearable pain and suffering.
  • Quality of Life Argument: Some argue that when a person’s quality of life is irreversibly diminished due to illness or suffering, they should have the option to end their life.
  • Death with Dignity Argument: The desire to die with dignity, rather than endure a prolonged process of dying, is cited as a reason for PAS/euthanasia.
  • Reducing the Burden Argument: Some believe that choosing death can be a way to avoid becoming a burden on families or the healthcare system.

Sample advance directive from Melinda Penner of Stand to Reason: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar…

Leave a Reply

About Daniella-Jade Lowe

Hello, My name is Daniella Jade Lowe. I am a PURSUN researcher and I am working on marketing myself as an Accessibility Consultant. Journalism and Politics are my passion. I have a BA degree in History and Politics. What type of disability do you have? At birth, I was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus which are neurological conditions. As a result, I use a wheelchair for mobility. What is disability to you? The only disability is a bad attitude. I have a disability. It doesn’t completely define me; it just enhances me in a way which differentiates and strengthens me. My disability should be viewed as an ability: to see the world in a different way. I don’t really like the term because sometimes it indirectly implies someone is dysfunctional or helpless. The most important thing is to never make assumptions. Someone with a disability can be very, physically, fit and strong, highly intelligent and articulate. What has been your experience from the time you remember till now? - positive and negative experiences. My life as a wheelchair user has been generally okay. Wheelchair Accessibility is frustrating. I was teased a little in school. Other than that, life is great. How do you cope with: -daily activities - your disability, do you have times when you are down - people's reactions towards you. I have carers, a Social worker, District Nurses, a GP, and extended family in this country. I am also in contact with a local disability charity in Yorkshire. I also have a friendly landlord. How do you keep yourself motivated? I must stay organised and practice good time management. I also prioritise my plans. What is your word or advice - to those with disabilities? - to the society Don’t let people put you in a box. You have a voice, use it. 10. Tell us about your platforms if you have any- Blog: The View from Where I Sit Facebook: Daniella Jade Lowe Instagram: @daniellajadelowe/@theviewfromwheresitblog Thank you!