Question 5
Should Euthanasia be Legalised: The Case Study of Johan Wright
Euthanasia – the act referred as easy or painless death, is the known practice of deliberate ending of life of a person suffering from incurable disease or condition (Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 2009). Over the years, euthanasia served as an option to not only those who suffer from incurable disease and pain, but also to individuals who are “done with life” in countries that have legalised assisted suicide.
This essay will attempt to justify why euthanasia should not be legalised in Singapore through an analysis of the case study of Johan Wright as well as discussing the issues brought about by euthanasia.
Analysis of Case Study
Johan Wright suffers from intermittent …show more content…
Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the freedom and right to self determine, without influences of external control (Oxford Dictionary, n.d.). This belief would mean that every individual, regardless of age and health, have the right to determine whether to live or die as their body in question belongs to them. While it is crucial to respect one’s right to make decisions, it may be dangerous to do so.
Individuals who are depressed, like Wright, may make the decision to die in an oppressive mental state. Going back to the definition of autonomy, a decision is only autonomous when it is made free and without any external control. Decisions made by individuals who are depressed may not be rational and autonomous as these individuals are influenced by their medical condition.
Maximising …show more content…
Caregivers and families of an euthanised patient will most likely experience grief and unhappiness from the loss, despite the relief from medical bills and physical demands. The total amount of emotional pain experienced by these people outweighs the comfort gained by the patient from being relieved of suffering. In addition, ironically, the purpose of euthanasia is to benefit and relieve one’s pain through death but when the intended beneficiary is dead, he/she can never benefit from the act
Should Euthanasia be Legalised: The Case Study of Johan Wright
Euthanasia – the act referred as easy or painless death, is the known practice of deliberate ending of life of a person suffering from incurable disease or condition (Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 2009). Over the years, euthanasia served as an option to not only those who suffer from incurable disease and pain, but also to individuals who are “done with life” in countries that have legalised assisted suicide.
This essay will attempt to justify why euthanasia should not be legalised in Singapore through an analysis of the case study of Johan Wright as well as discussing the issues brought about by euthanasia.
Analysis of Case Study
Johan Wright suffers from intermittent …show more content…
Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the freedom and right to self determine, without influences of external control (Oxford Dictionary, n.d.). This belief would mean that every individual, regardless of age and health, have the right to determine whether to live or die as their body in question belongs to them. While it is crucial to respect one’s right to make decisions, it may be dangerous to do so.
Individuals who are depressed, like Wright, may make the decision to die in an oppressive mental state. Going back to the definition of autonomy, a decision is only autonomous when it is made free and without any external control. Decisions made by individuals who are depressed may not be rational and autonomous as these individuals are influenced by their medical condition.
Maximising …show more content…
Caregivers and families of an euthanised patient will most likely experience grief and unhappiness from the loss, despite the relief from medical bills and physical demands. The total amount of emotional pain experienced by these people outweighs the comfort gained by the patient from being relieved of suffering. In addition, ironically, the purpose of euthanasia is to benefit and relieve one’s pain through death but when the intended beneficiary is dead, he/she can never benefit from the act