The case of Larry McAfee
The case of Larry McAfee is different from that of Brooke Hopkins in various aspects. Paralyzed from his neck, Larry James McAfee requested that the ventilator that assisted him in breathing to be removed as he had wished to die a contemporary death. The physicians responsible for his treatment refused to grant his wish, which led to McAfee seeking permission from the Georgia superior court. In the case of Brooke Hopkins, his request to be granted a contemporary death was without a doubt accepted by the physicians who agreed to pull him off from the support systems and allowed him to die a peaceful death. The death of Brooke
Hopkins, even though it was contemporary, was considered his choice, and he was allowed to choose his terms during the procedure. Unlike Brooke Hopkins, who appreciated life and loved life, Larry McAfee found his life not worthy of living, demeaning and utterly draining.McAfee did not appreciate living in his current condition and thus opted a contemporary death.
The decision of Brooke Hopkins to end his life was out of his own will. Brooke felt he had lived his life and wanted to make sure his death was peaceful and surrounded by friends and family. Brooke was satisfied and was appreciative of the life he had lived with his wife and felt it was time to make a decision.McAfee after his injuries wrote in his conviction that he had felt like to be totally meaningless and that he hated living a life of dependency as it was demeaning and it drained him.
Individuals with disabilities considering physician-assisted suicide ought to receive support services from their physicians in support of their decisions as well as support from family and friends. They should not be criticized or judged by physicians, but given the care and peace, they need when considering this option.