The acceptance of euthanasia rests on the premise of mercy and compassion, which are essential to human dignity. Prasad (2015) argues why supporters of euthanasia claim not allowing euthanasia is to deny a person’s right to die and opponent’s dispute that it is not a human right to die. Whether or not a person is favor of, or opposed to euthanasia, all people would agree that they would want a dignified death for themselves and their loved ones. The problem starts when people cannot agree as to the definition of dignity (Prasad, 2015). The view of death should be a personal decision. Hence, neither the government nor the physician can decide on the behalf of the patients.
The subject of this paper aims at supporting legalization …show more content…
The concern with the public focuses on how to protect dignity and independence at the end of life, with the result, there have been many significant changes in state laws and in the attitudes these laws reflect. If the practice of discontinuing life-sustaining measures are legal, why is euthanasia illegal?
Terminology
Active euthanasia is the action of taking someone’s life who is experiencing suffering. An example of active euthanasia is when a physician assists a patient with suicide. A person aids the patient to die by giving a lethal injection of medication. Active euthanasia initiates the biological process of dying.
Passive euthanasia is when physicians withdraw medical treatment with the intention of causing the patient’s death. Passive euthanasia is morally and justifiable, even though it causes a person’s death. Passive euthanasia is the natural process of dying.
In both cases, the goal of euthanasia in the medical intervention is to relieve pain and suffering, particularly respecting the patient’s autonomy and preventing unnecessary suffering (Spranzi, …show more content…
According to the process of Euthanasia, the doctors are the ones questioned whether it is appropriate to carry out the process (Marker, 2013). Given this directive, people view it as a form of empowerment to decide whether the patient should die or not. It signifies a lack of confidence in the medical practices given the fact that technology has brought forth better medical services (Marker, 2013).
Legalization of Euthanasia is a means of promoting suicide (Smith, 2002). Many people with pain will use it as a shortcut to end their lives, even when appropriate treatment is available. Given the fact that suicide comes with consequences. The problem is that many of them will start thinking that they are a burden to the society and especially their loved ones.
Euthanasia will lead to misuse and ultimately result in actively euthanizing people against their wills. Eventually, permitting euthanasia in non-end-of-life situations, where a person is not terminally ill, does not have intense pain, not voluntarily requesting it. Those most susceptible to euthanasia misuses will be the most helpless and vulnerable members of society. If Euthanasia does happen, it may become more of a problem than a solution.
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