“Euthanasia: the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. (Medicinenet). The debate of whether or not euthanasia should be legalized in America is not a new debate. It began in the early 20th century. The New York State Medical Association was one of the first groups to begin pushing for legalization. Other organizations in Iowa and Ohio also pushed for legalization but each of them failed. In between the early 20th century and today many people have joined the debate and chosen a side.
The majority of supporters only want euthanasia legalized for people in extreme pain, such as terminally ill cancer patients like Brittany Maynard. She was a 29 year old that had been diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, …show more content…
The opposing side of Euthanasia usually basis its argument on religion, morals, or theories. Religion is one of the oldest arguments against Euthanasia. The Roman Catholic Church is a big believer in dying the natural way, even if that means enduring a lot of suffering. Pope John Paul II expressed this belief publicly at least twice during his life, when he got shot in 1984, and in1994 while suffering from old age and infirmity. “Human suffering evokes compassion, it also evokes respect, and in its own way it intimidates.” (Paul, 52). Other religions also have strong beliefs against assisted suicide/Euthanasia. Suicide is a sin in most religions, so many people believe assisted suicide is a one-way ticket to hell. Religious groups also see Euthanasia as murder. They believe doctors should not be put in the position to ever kill a patient. That is also where morals play a big role. Even some atheist believe it is against a person’s moral code to do anything that shortens the life of another person. For centuries it has been well known that doctors are supposed to do everything in their power to save the patient. “As far back as Hippocrates, doctors – and their colleagues-have been healers, with special responsibilities for saving, prolonging and improving lives.”(Huxtable, 97). Lastly, many of the oppressors of the …show more content…
For example, the U.S. can look at the failures of other countries to see why Euthanasia/assisted suicide may pose a problem. Deaths caused by Euthanasia is on the rise which isn’t much of a problem. The fact that many of the deaths were not approved by the patient or the situation did not legally qualify for the option of euthanization is where the problem starts. Even on the opposing side, their main argument is based on morals and beliefs. Their argument lacks supporting evidence and uses the slippery-slope fallacy. If Euthanasia goes against a person’s religious/moral views then the person does not have to participate. It is not forced Euthanasia and all doctors don’t have to participate if it goes against their moral code. Still, the biggest problem with legalizing Euthanasia is proper government regulation. Other countries have proved that a few people will abuse the option of assisted suicide/Euthanasia, but the U.S. can simply learn from their
The majority of supporters only want euthanasia legalized for people in extreme pain, such as terminally ill cancer patients like Brittany Maynard. She was a 29 year old that had been diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, …show more content…
The opposing side of Euthanasia usually basis its argument on religion, morals, or theories. Religion is one of the oldest arguments against Euthanasia. The Roman Catholic Church is a big believer in dying the natural way, even if that means enduring a lot of suffering. Pope John Paul II expressed this belief publicly at least twice during his life, when he got shot in 1984, and in1994 while suffering from old age and infirmity. “Human suffering evokes compassion, it also evokes respect, and in its own way it intimidates.” (Paul, 52). Other religions also have strong beliefs against assisted suicide/Euthanasia. Suicide is a sin in most religions, so many people believe assisted suicide is a one-way ticket to hell. Religious groups also see Euthanasia as murder. They believe doctors should not be put in the position to ever kill a patient. That is also where morals play a big role. Even some atheist believe it is against a person’s moral code to do anything that shortens the life of another person. For centuries it has been well known that doctors are supposed to do everything in their power to save the patient. “As far back as Hippocrates, doctors – and their colleagues-have been healers, with special responsibilities for saving, prolonging and improving lives.”(Huxtable, 97). Lastly, many of the oppressors of the …show more content…
For example, the U.S. can look at the failures of other countries to see why Euthanasia/assisted suicide may pose a problem. Deaths caused by Euthanasia is on the rise which isn’t much of a problem. The fact that many of the deaths were not approved by the patient or the situation did not legally qualify for the option of euthanization is where the problem starts. Even on the opposing side, their main argument is based on morals and beliefs. Their argument lacks supporting evidence and uses the slippery-slope fallacy. If Euthanasia goes against a person’s religious/moral views then the person does not have to participate. It is not forced Euthanasia and all doctors don’t have to participate if it goes against their moral code. Still, the biggest problem with legalizing Euthanasia is proper government regulation. Other countries have proved that a few people will abuse the option of assisted suicide/Euthanasia, but the U.S. can simply learn from their