Euthanasia: Arguments For and Against

Introduction

Euthanasia may be a right or wrong decision. However, it needs to be considered as a pro-choice decision. Euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide is a highly debated issue. This issue is outlawed in almost all major countries. This essay discusses the arguments for and against the concept of euthanasia.

Description of the Topic

Euthanasia can be defined as the intentional termination of the life of one person by the other based on the explicit request of the first-person seeking death as the last resort to free him/her from all the sufferings of a terminal disease. Proponents for euthanasia advocate the ending of pain for those who cannot otherwise survive any terminal disease (eHow). On the other hand, the opponents of euthanasia view it as a rejection of human life. There are different types of euthanasia that are being discussed; (i) voluntary, (ii) involuntary, (iii) active and (iv) passive each having its own characteristics.

Arguments in Favor of the Topic

There are three main arguments offered in favor of euthanasia. The first argument is that a person suffering from unbearable pain should be given the right to end the pain with death if no other means of containing the pain does not work. Under the circumstance the person willing to die is unable to commit the act himself, another person appointed by him should be able to assist him end the pain by resorting to the means of making him die. The second argument is that suicide does not hurt anyone else in the family except the person who is suffering from the pain. Suicide is also not against law. There are no laws compelling the physician and the patient to continue the life by whatever means possible (Kearney). The third argument is that a person cannot be forced to stay alive against his/her will. If death cannot be avoided, and the pain of the patient is unbearable it is better to allow the patient to speed up the process of death to end the unbearable pain. Euthanasia will save the financial and physical sufferings of the caregivers who are obligated to take care of the patient for long and painful life.

Arguments against the Topic

The argument against euthanasia is that it is a rejection of human life and when legalized, euthanasia will lead to legalizing involuntary suicide. Euthanasia whether voluntary or involuntary is totally against morals, which have been instituted since time immemorial. One of the arguments against euthanasia is that the request for euthanasia will be due to depression or to a misapprehension of the true prognosis of the patient. The requests for euthanasia are usually made by the patients to assess their worth and value to others. When the euthanasia request is accepted, it merely confirms the worst fears of the patient. When the patient dies by opting for euthanasia, the decision becomes irreversible (Beale & Horner). Euthanasia would cause much social pressure on the vulnerable people associated with the patient who causes greater stress and suffering on the near ones.

My Position

Irrespective of all arguments in favor of euthanasia, I feel that the patient who is terminally ill deserves a dignified death without suffering badly from the pain. On this score, I support euthanasia. However, there should be strict legislation for controlling the actions of the physicians and others to prohibit them from misusing the allowance.

Conclusion

There are various meanings associated with euthanasia, which allows the dying patient to get rid of the suffering from pain. Some people would not agree with euthanasia. However, the arguments, which are in favor of euthanasia, overweigh the arguments against it.

References

  1. Kearney, I. (n.d.). What doe Euthanasia Mean?
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