Euthanasia

Euthanasia is defined as the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. There are 3 types of euthanasia – voluntary euthanasia, non-voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary euthanasia, which could also be known as assisted suicide, refers to a situation where the patient actively takes the last step in their death by giving permission or consent or actually requesting to medical officers to end their lives for them. Non voluntary euthanasia is a situation where the patient in unable to consent while involuntary euthanasia is equated to murder as it is where the euthanasia being held is against the person’s will. Non-voluntary and involuntary euthanasia is illegal in all countries where as voluntary euthanasia is legal in only a few countries which are Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland, U.S states of Oregon and Washington.

Also, euthanasia is categorized into passive and active euthanasia. Passive euthanasia entails the withholding of common treatments such as antibiotics, necessary for continuance of life while active euthanasia entails the use of lethal substance such as administering a lethal injection , to kill, and it is this latter category which raises global uproar.

Regarding the issue of euthanasia in Malaysia, euthanasia is currently illegal. In a multicultural society with many different religious and cultural values, it is an undeniable fact for the relation between the acceptance of euthanasia and religious, moral and family values. It is difficult enough to have a secular debate about an issue in this country while one religion opposes it, let alone a list of faiths. The reasons of rejection for euthanasia includes life are precious, suffering is entailed in life and that even committing suicide is a sin. Too often, the right to die is oversimplified as a matter that is out of human hands. Death, according to many, can only be left to a higher power. As a result, people will suffer until their last