Argumentative Essay Euthanasia

Throughout the world, many hundreds of people have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Some of these illnesses are very painful and can cause suffering to those diagnosed until they eventually pass away. Today, a few countries have legalized a method to circumvent this suffering; it is known as physician/euthanasia assisted suicide (EAS). In America, a handful of states have legalized this new medical approach but there is still a lot of opposition for moral and religious reasons. Most believe it gives doctors far too much power or that doctors should only be allowed to extend and protect life rather than end it. In reality, EAS is an excellent development for anyone who is suffering and wish to die with dignity and without pain. Supporters of EAS often speak of a …show more content…
Some of the opposition to EAS claims that the already existing systems in place to prevent suffering at the end of life are enough. They refer to palliative or end-of-life care like Hospice. These companies and organizations offer comfort and support to terminally ill patients suffering from terrible diseases and their families. As stated by Wesley J. Smith, “Studies show that hospice-style palliative care 'is virtually unknown in the Netherlands [where euthanasia is legal]. ' There are very few hospice facilities, very little in the way of organized hospice activity, and few specialists in palliative care, ...” (“Pro-Con”) Those against euthanasia believe that this is due to the Netherland’s legalized euthanasia, as Smith continues on to state. “The widespread availability of euthanasia in the Netherlands may be another reason for the stunted growth of the Dutch hospice movement.” (“Pro-Con”) Stephen G. Potts, author of the article “Euthanasia Should Not Be Legalized” in the book Euthanasia: Opposing Viewpoints, claims that euthanasia legalization would stunt palliative care