Euthanasia: The Actions of The so Called Gods

"To everything there is a season and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted" this quote from Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 brings up the important issue that we face in today’s world. God has consummate planning and an explanation behind everything. He gives us life and soul, and only He has the privilege to take it back. Imagine if a close family member of yours is nearly dying and every breath they took was torture for them. They asked you to end their suffering. What will you do? Should euthanasia be a superior decision? Euthanasia is utilized by individuals who endure severe pain and it has no solution for its sicknesses. This could end their life in the most tender way that no pain will be felt using lethal drugs.

Euthanasia: The Actions of The So-Called Gods

Arguments and Justifications for Euthanasia

There are several proclamations of arguments for and justifying voluntary euthanasia. The argument does not only focus on physical pain but also on the threat that it may convey to the individual. However, the process of authorization of euthanasia can take an extensive stretch of time due to the interference of religious communities. Philosopher Francis Bacon coined the term “euthanasia” from the Greek word “Good Death” (Bacon, 1623). Over the coming centuries, euthanasia has been practiced to aim voluntary, involuntary, and non-voluntary take the lives of others to reduce pain. According to Hinden (2004) in the study entitled “The Case Against Physician-Assisted Suicide: For the Right to End-of-Life,” voluntary euthanasia takes place when it is the wish of a competent patient or it is in a written statement of desire. Non-voluntary euthanasia happens when the patient is incompetent and not aware of their surroundings. Meanwhile, involuntary euthanasia is rarely done by nurses because the patients are against it. Roman historian Suetonius was the first recorded individual who utilized the word euthanasia, which describes the passing of Augustus Caesar (Suetonius, 121). Despite the fact that it was practiced over centuries, it changed with innovation and social values.

The Role of Medical Professionals in Euthanasia

Literature studies on the involvement of nurses in euthanasia show that medical professionals are present in the process where they observe the request, decision-making, carrying out, and are also responsible for taking care of the family members of the patient. Euthanasia also implies “death with dignity” on the grounds that each of us has the right to have a loving and caring family and even specialists who are doing their best to make us feel comfortable. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that "everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of the person" (Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982). By approving euthanasia in our nation, we are disregarding these essential rights, and this could be a threat to the entire society.

Religious Perspectives on Euthanasia

Jewish and Christian communities increasingly reject this procedure because it negates the value and sacredness of human life. According to R&G culture, "all humans created by God are worthy of respect and have to be cared for" (R&G Culture, 2020). As they spread their influence, they strongly believe in the legality of the Hippocratic Oath, which states that no one should give fatal drugs to anyone, neither suggested nor asked by someone. Early church fathers say that those who receive it are rejecting the gift of God, which is life. Euthanasia is a major help for individuals who need to promptly end the agony felt by the patient. They could choose how they will die based on personal choice; we have no motivation to dictate or contradict it. However, as Christians, we don't have the privilege to end others' lives or even our own. We do not decide who lives and who will pass on.

References

• Bacon, F. (1623). Of the Proficience and Advancement of Learning, Divine and Human.
• Hinden, R. (2004). The Case Against Physician-Assisted Suicide: For the Right to End-of-Life.
• Suetonius. (121). The Lives of the Twelve Caesars.
• Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. (1982).
• R&G Culture. (2020). Value and Sacredness of Life.