The Controversial Debate on Euthanasia

Introduction

Euthanasia, derived from the Greek words "eu" meaning good and "thanatos" meaning death, can be loosely translated as a good death. It involves the practice of ending the life of an individual whose life is considered intolerable, in order to reduce their pain. Methods such as lethal injections, removal from life support, or overdosing may be employed. Euthanasia is also known as mercy killing or assisted suicide, and it has been a controversial subject in many countries and homes. This essay will explore the pros and cons of euthanasia, considering different arguments from both sides.

Arguments Pro Euthanasia

• Supporters of euthanasia argue that it is a matter of freedom of choice. Terminally ill patients should have the right to choose how they want to die, especially if their condition has become unbearable. Legalizing euthanasia would allow patients to die with dignity and avoid excruciating pain. This right to choose is essential for individual autonomy and integrity. It would also alleviate the suffering of terminally ill patients who have no hope of recovery and wish to end their lives in a humane and painless manner.
• Legalizing euthanasia would help reduce the financial burden on families who struggle to afford the high costs of caring for terminally ill patients. Specialized equipment and medical expenses can become overwhelming, and euthanasia could provide a more affordable alternative.
• Keeping a patient on life support when there is no hope of improvement can be emotionally draining for the family. Legalizing euthanasia would allow families to end the suffering of their loved ones and move on with their lives. It would also prevent individuals from resorting to self-inflicted harm due to unbearable physical pain.

Arguments against Euthanasia

• Opponents of euthanasia argue that it undermines the value and respect for all human life. They express concerns that legalizing euthanasia may lead to involuntary euthanasia and a devaluation of life.
• Medicine has advanced to prolong life, and it should not be used to end lives. Legalizing euthanasia may also open the door for abuse, as relatives may have ulterior motives, such as inheriting the patient's wealth.
• Determining a patient's desire for euthanasia can be complicated, and there is no definite timeline for when an individual will die. Legalizing euthanasia could lead to unnecessary deaths that could have been survived with advanced treatments. It may also result in a decline in medical care and research, as euthanasia could be seen as an alternative to finding cures for diseases.
• Euthanasia goes against the Hippocratic Oath taken by medical practitioners, which emphasizes the protection of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the legalization of euthanasia would create numerous social problems and devalue human life. Many cultural societies consider human life sacred and should be treated as such. Legalizing euthanasia may lead to the devaluation of life and encourage feigned illnesses to access euthanasia. It goes against religious beliefs that only God has the right to give and take life. The arguments presented above indicate the importance of keeping euthanasia illegal.

Works Cited

1. Darren, Sweeper. "Euthanasia - Pros and Cons of Mercy Killing." (n.d.). 2010. Web.
2. "Definition of Euthanasia." 1998. Web.
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4. Maisie, Moo. "Pros and Cons of Euthanasia." 2007. Web.
5. McCarrick, Pat. "Active Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide." (n.d.). 2010. Web.
6. Pellegrino, Edmund. "Ethics." Journal of the American Medical Association 265.23 (1991): 3118-3119.