Abstract
Life, in all its diversity, has always been revered for its beauty, be it in the myriad opportunities it presents, the relationships we forge, or the cyclical changes that shape our journey. Yet, life’s harsh winters, those prolonged periods of suffering, often push the boundaries of endurance, prompting the question: Should we insist on perseverance when the hope of relief seems distant? This paper aims to explore this very question in the context of assisted suicide. This paper delves into the intricate ethical landscape of assisted suicide, navigating the complex interplay between autonomy, dignity, and the sanctity of life. At the core of this discourse is the concept of “rest in the mourning,” where those grappling with the burdens of illness have already mourned the life they once knew. Their consideration of assisted suicide is not a mere desire to escape but a profound acknowledgment of life’s impermanence and a quest for dignity in death. Utilizing the New Haven approach, this paper frames the debate over whether the right to die should be considered a fundamental liberty under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution from various perspectives, including medical ethics, religious views, and constitutional considerations. The New Haven approach, a framework that aims to shape laws that foster human flourishing, raises an important question: Can the right to die, rooted in the principles of autonomy and dignity, be safeguarded without eroding the societal bonds that unite us? Do the laws governing assisted suicide truly serve people and promote human flourishing? This approach is crucial in understanding the implications of laws guiding assisted suicide and their impact on human flourishing.
Recommended Citation
Jada Rhome,
Rest in the Mourning: Navigating Assisted Suicide and Autonomy,
38 J.L. & Health
229
(2025)
available at https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/jlh/vol38/iss2/6
