Antigone

A time to live, a time to die… Whose choice is it? Euthanasia is a topic that is rarely covered in the news. The moral ramifications of killing someone, even for the sake of mercy, seems too heavy of a topic for in depth discussion. No one wants to think about the day they will die, however when someone becomes terminally ill it can soon become their only thought. When pain and suffering enter this scenario, the option of ending a life more quickly may also enter the thought process. According to Life and Hope Network “9% of all deaths in America are caused by Euthanasia” 1 We are given the gift of life at birth. I believe Euthanasia is a violation of the most precious gift we are given… life As stated by the Hospice foundation of America “Hospitium (Hospice) stands for [guest house.] Hospice is a special type of care for patients who are not able to be cured. This loving act usually comes in the patient’s finals days when they have been sent home from the hospital and are waiting for their day to come. Hospice makes their patients feel comfortable and tries to ease their pain as much as possible. The providers also are there for their families to comfort them before and after their loved ones death.”2 With health care facilities caring for the sick and terminally ill patients, there are many options to choose from for a less painful way to pass than ending a life by Euthanasia.

Someone once asked if using Euthanasia on animals was the same as using it on humans saying quote “If we use Euthanasia to put animals out of their pain and misery why is that not the same as helping Grandma by not letting her suffer anymore?”3 Animals and humans are vastly different. The main thing that sets humans apart is the fact that they have a soul, whereas animals do not. Ending the life of a human because they no longer see a reason to live is a horrible alternative to seeking available pain management. Human life is sacred and should not be terminated

Cited: "What is Hospice?." . N.p., 30 June 2012. Web. 25 June 2014. . "Facts about Euthanasia." . New York Times, 15 May 2005. Web. 25 June 2014. . Bloom, Harold. "Ecclesiastes 7:17." The Bible. New York: Chelsea House, 1987. . Print. "Terry 's Story." . Life and Hope Network, 2 May 2008. Web. 25 June 2014. . Lewin, Tamar. "Nancy Cruzan Dies, Outlived by a Debate Over the Right to Die." . New York Schneider, Keith. "Dr. Jack Kevorkian Dies at 83; A Doctor Who Helped End Lives." . New York Times, 3 June 2011. Web. 25 June 2014. .