Supporting Brittany Maynard’s Right to Physician Aid-in-Dying and the Case for Legalizing It in New York”

Review the story of Brittany Maynard (1984-2014)

Brittany Maynard

In the context of this case, do you support or oppose Brittany’s decision? Stick to your position, DON’T WAIVER (I would like the paper written in the context of supporting Brittany’s position)
Clarify, define, and distinguish justice issues between state and federal law related to physician aid-in-dying.
Utilizing the case of Vacco vs. Quill (1997), discuss your position regarding if New York State should permit clinician aid-in-dying. Article attached or you may use your own resource(s).
When is society justified in overriding the autonomous wishes of competent members in society?
You can support your position using international laws regarding palliative care and aid-in-dying?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

Carefully read the assignment prompt. You are asked to write a paper supporting Brittany Maynard’s decision to pursue physician aid-in-dying, using the case of Vacco v. Quill (1997) to argue for the legalization of clinician-assisted dying in New York. You will also need to distinguish between state and federal law regarding physician aid-in-dying, and explore when society may override a competent individual’s wishes.

Step 2: Define Key Concepts and Issues

To lay a strong foundation for your argument, start by defining the key concepts:

• Physician Aid-in-Dying: A medical practice where a physician provides a terminally ill patient with a prescription for medication to self-administer to end their life.
• Autonomy: A patient’s right to make decisions about their own life and death, especially in the face of terminal illness.
• Justice Issues: Legal and ethical concerns about the rights of individuals versus the laws that govern society.

Step 3: Present and Support Brittany Maynard’s Position

In this section, provide a clear, strong argument supporting Brittany Maynard’s decision to pursue physician aid-in-dying:

• Brittany’s Story: Brittany was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given a prognosis of six months to live. After enduring considerable physical and emotional pain, she chose to end her life on her own terms, in a state where physician aid-in-dying was legal.
• Support for Her Decision: Highlight the importance of autonomy in end-of-life decisions. Brittany was a competent adult who made an informed decision about her death, based on her personal suffering and desire to preserve dignity. By supporting her position, you are advocating for the right of individuals to control the circumstances of their death when faced with unbearable suffering.

Use Compassion & Choices or other resources to frame her decision within the broader context of end-of-life care rights.

Step 4: Clarify the Justice Issues Between State and Federal Law

Differentiate between state and federal law regarding physician aid-in-dying:

• Federal Law: In general, federal law does not recognize physician-assisted death as a right. There are certain legal restrictions, including the Controlled Substances Act, which complicates the process.
• State Law: Some states, such as Oregon, Washington, and California, have passed laws allowing physician aid-in-dying, recognizing that individuals in these states should have the right to choose how they want to end their life.

Explain why this creates an uneven landscape where some people, like Brittany Maynard, can access this option while others in different states cannot. Discuss the ethical implications of these laws.

Step 5: Discuss Vacco v. Quill (1997) and the Legal Arguments for New York State

• Vacco v. Quill (1997): This Supreme Court case examined the constitutionality of laws that criminalize assisted suicide in New York and other states. The ruling upheld the state’s ban on physician-assisted suicide, emphasizing that the state has an interest in preserving life.
• Position on New York State: Argue that New York should legalize physician aid-in-dying, especially in light of the suffering of terminally ill patients who wish to make decisions about their own deaths. Reference the case to support your position, stating that state laws can and should be adapted to reflect the changing views of citizens on medical care and personal autonomy.

Step 6: When Should Society Override the Wishes of Competent Members?

This is a critical section where you explore when society is justified in overriding the decisions of competent individuals:

• Autonomy and Society’s Role: In general, society should not interfere with a competent individual’s decision regarding their end of life, particularly if they are suffering from a terminal illness and have expressed their wishes clearly.
• Exceptions: You may argue that society can override these wishes if there is a clear risk of coercion, if the individual is not mentally competent, or if the decision is based on temporary emotional distress. However, in Brittany Maynard’s case, she was clear-minded, competent, and had made an informed decision.

Step 7: Use International Laws Regarding Palliative Care and Aid-in-Dying

• Global Context: Several countries, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada, have legalized physician-assisted dying under certain conditions. These countries demonstrate that it is possible to have a compassionate, regulated approach to physician-assisted death.
• Palliative Care: Many countries with legalized physician aid-in-dying also have robust palliative care systems, ensuring that patients have access to pain management and emotional support. Use these examples to argue that the legalization of physician aid-in-dying does not conflict with providing comprehensive palliative care but offers an option for those who seek control over their death.

Step 8: Organize Your Paper

• Introduction: Begin with a brief overview of Brittany Maynard’s story and introduce the central issue of physician aid-in-dying.
• Body:
  • Clearly argue in favor of Brittany’s decision.
  • Differentiate between state and federal law on physician aid-in-dying, providing context and examples.
  • Discuss Vacco v. Quill and argue why New York should legalize physician aid-in-dying.
  • Address when society can justify overriding the wishes of a competent individual.
  • Provide international examples of aid-in-dying laws and how they align with your position.
• Conclusion: Summarize your argument, reinforcing why individuals like Brittany Maynard should have the right to end their life on their own terms.

Step 9: Review and Finalize

• Citations: Ensure you properly cite all sources used, including the Vacco v. Quill case, any international laws, and additional scholarly sources.
• Clarity and Coherence: Read through your paper for clarity, flow, and logical progression of ideas.

By following these steps, you will have a well-supported, coherent paper that presents a strong argument in favor of Brittany Maynard’s decision and the legalization of physician aid-in-dying

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