Legalizing Euthanasia Argumentative Essay

On the morning of November 1, a young woman named Brittany Maynard ended her life in Oregon. Her diagnosis was brain cancer; doctors told her she had several years to live. Unfortunately, after further tests doctors informed her that she had about 6 months to live. She decided that she would choose to end her life after the pain of her condition became unbearable. She stated that being able to choose when to die allowed her to live (Slotnik). Many cases similar to Brittany’s exist all over the country. Many circumstances make every situation unique to the patient. However, many of these situations have one difference in common: they did not all legally have a choice. Euthanasia should be legal. Euthanasia gives people like Brittney a choice …show more content…
Today alone 18 people will die waiting for an organ transplant. Just one person can save up to eight lives by being donors. Medicine and medical procedures can no longer save the terminally ill. Assuming that the patient chooses to donate their body to science, they can help others live even in their death. The choice should always be the patients, whether they are choosing to donate their organs or the manner of their death. Another way that legalizing Euthanasia would save lives is by ending life support for those who choose it. Hospitals may save more money in order to fund research to cure incurable illnesses by ending life support. Many patients on life support or in hospice may be put to rest on their own terms. Lastly, nurses and doctors can better focus their attention on patients who are able to be saved. If Euthanasia were an option to those who want it, they could very well be saving someone else’s life by allowing doctors to focus their medical attention and treatments on someone …show more content…
With great power comes great responsibility. In places such as Oregon and Switzerland, strict rules are set into place to prevent the targeting of the vulnerable. For example, in Oregon one must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of the state and one must be competent and in the right state of mind to be eligible to be euthanized (Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act—2013). Other guidelines that have been set into place include these well-defined circumstances: that the illness be incurable, suffering is considered unbearable, other options be thoroughly explored. If these guidelines are not followed, the doctor could face up to 12 year in prison. With these guidelines in place, there is little room to stray. Since the procedure is irreversible, many regulations are set up to be in the best interest of the