Voluntary Euthanasia In Australia

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Medical science has become relatively advanced for the last decades. Hence, life can now be sustained for a greater period of time even if the patient is under terminal illness (White & Willmort 2012). Nevertheless, the burdens of having to cope of with such sufferings might be too much for some patients to bear. Thus, those individuals instead seek death to put an end to their torments. As such, the question on legalization of voluntary euthanasia has become an important yet controversial issue in Australia. This essay will discuss the arguments that are commonly used by both supporters and critics of such topic. Specifically, the paper will analyze the major concern on the violation of the sanctity of life as well as euthanasia’s involvement …show more content…
In fact, there are many people in need of this service for various reasons. Some may find that their pains and sufferings are too unbearable to continue living (Schafer 2013). Others believe that euthanasia might help relieve the burdens on their families, which allows them to pass away with dignity (White & Willmort 2012). White’s research (2012) also points out that some special medical cases require euthanasia to relieve pain such as terminal sedation. Additionally, since democracy encourages self determination, a competent person should be allowed to make their own decision based on their beliefs and evaluations (Schafer 2013). As such, a well informed patient has the right to seek assistance to end his or her life if the person wishes for it. Apart from this, White and Willmort (2012) believe that the legalization of euthanasia might encourage good behaviors and practices in the issue. If such action is well regulated and controlled, various illegal and harmful cases can be prevented. Besides, suicide itself has been legalized for many years according to White’s paper (2012). Hence, should the action of assisting someone’s death not be considered lawless as well?
Ultimately, the question to legalize euthanasia in Australia still remains a controversial and debatable one. The major concerns of the issue involve the sanctity of life has many aspects that need to be considered such as religious, social values and safeguards. Apart from that, the right of self determination also serves as a major factor for the ethical issue at hand. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the legislation statue of the activity would surely affect Australia moral views significantly as well as give rise to new ideologies on the value of life and

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