Dignity on the Deathbed

August 15, 2007

We often hear the phrase “Let her die with dignity,” used in the context of a patient seeking withdrawal of treatment or even physician assisted suicide. However, references to human dignity in such situations are frequently misused. Dignity, that inherent quality possessed by any individual within the human species, which sets homo sapiens apart from fellow creatures, does not simply come and go. One cannot die without it. Therefore, why must one be “allowed” to die with it? Dignity presides where any human being exists, whether those around choose to acknowledge it or not.

So if it is not dignity which is threatened by the death process, then what is? Perhaps those who worry they will not “die with dignity” really fear their growing dependence, vulnerability, and loss of control as they enter their final days. Perhaps they feel ashamed at their weakness, or they worry they will be a burden to family and friends. “Let me die with dignity” sounds more and more like, “Let me die with my pride intact.” Pride in this context is not necessarily a negative thing, and a patient’s self-esteem and self-worth should be fiercely protected during this time. Nevertheless, pride is not dignity, and they ought not be equated. Unlike dignity, pride is a transient view of oneself. Dignity is always worth protecting; pride is not. There are some lines that cannot, or at least ought not, be crossed in order to preserve a patient’s pride. Human dignity, on the other hand, should be defended at all costs.