The State of California Should Lower the Requirements for Physician ✓ Solved
The State of California should lower the requirements for physician-assisted suicide. The discussion will focus on why the current requirements are harmful to citizens, present a feasible plan to counter these issues, discuss how this plan will counteract the harms, and understand the additional benefits it provides.
Current Requirements: An Overview
Currently, California mandates that individuals seeking physician-assisted suicide must demonstrate that they have an incurable disease that will lead to death within six months. These strict regulations prevent many individuals, particularly those suffering from severe mental health issues or situational crises, from utilizing the program when they most need it.
Harm Caused by Strict Requirements
The first significant harm stemming from these stringent requirements is the failure to access the program among those who truly need it. For instance, data from Kurt Snibbe of OC Register indicates an upward trend of mental illnesses in children under 18. By limiting eligibility to strictly terminally ill patients, individuals with debilitating mental health struggles are left unsupported, greatly increasing the risk of undetected suicides.
The second harm is the trend towards increased mental disturbances resulting from the aftermath of suicide. Susan Scutti from Medical Daily pointed out that individuals left mourning a suicide are 80% more likely to abandon educational pursuits or employment. The absence of premeditated plans involving discussions with physicians or family members exacerbates the grieving process, often leading to long-term PTSD or other mental health impacts among friends and family members.
Revising the Requirements
The need for a revised structure regarding eligibility for physician-assisted suicide is clear, as the current regulations hinder the program's utilization by the very people in distress. The proposed plan urges California to amend these rigid standards. A legislative bill could change the six-month stipulation to a “reasonable period” contingent on the nature of the illness or situation. Furthermore, the requirement for terminal illness could be broadened into a “situational” mandate to offer care to individuals seeking relief from intolerable suffering, regardless of a direct life-threatening condition.
Stricter Oversight Measures
To address concerns regarding potential misuse of this program, any less stringent requirements could be counterbalanced with enhanced oversight. The plan entails implementing two separate background checks carried out by different agencies. This dual-check system would develop a thorough investigation into an applicant's circumstances, thus ensuring that those seeking to end their lives are acting voluntarily and without pressure from external parties. It will also include support programs for those who may feel compelled to apply for assisted suicide due to undue influence.
Enforcement Mechanisms
To enforce the regulations effectively, stipulations must include significant penalties for abuse of the program. Applicants who fail to present valid reasons backed by evidence could face fines of up to $75,000 and potentially be barred from future participation in assisted euthanasia programs depending on the infraction's severity. This will serve as a deterrent to misuse while promoting the program's intended compassionate use.
Funding and Resource Allocation
Funding for the new program can be achieved through taxpayer contributions and specific penalties collected from violators. Allocating a portion of these funds to educating the public and healthcare providers about mental health awareness and suicide prevention could help curb the general suicide rate and improve understanding of the support systems available.
Projected Outcomes of the Revised Program
Implementing these changes will yield a dual-pronged benefit. On one hand, it caters to individuals needing assistance who currently are denied access due to excessive constraints. On the other hand, it actively works to preserve the mental health of the broader population by preventing future suicides. Increased utilization of physician-assisted suicide could potentially decrease the instances of individuals resorting to unassisted methods.
Long-term Benefits
The overall economic impact of suicide is staggering. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, each suicide costs the average society around $1,329,553. Constructing a more accessible physician-assisted suicide program also signals to citizens that the government is responsive to their needs. Efforts to amend existing laws showcase an empathetic governance approach, demonstrating that citizen welfare takes precedence over archaic policies that may not serve the current generation effectively.
Conclusion: A Call for Reform
In considering the future of America, it becomes clear that support must be prioritized for individuals in emotional or psychological distress. The proposed revision of the requirements for physician-assisted death strives not only to enlarge access but also to save lives through prevention. Lowering eligibility barriers without compromising safety can significantly affect California's suicide rates and the lives of its residents. It is crucial that the government listens to its constituents and adapts law structures to be more beneficial rather than restrictive.
References
- Snibbe, K. (2017). OC Register. Retrieved from [link].
- Scutti, S. (2016). Medical Daily. Retrieved from [link].
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link].
- LA Times. (2018). Retrieved from [link].
- Kevinscause.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link].
- California Legislative Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link].
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link].
- American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link].
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link].
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Retrieved from [link].