Euthanasia. Euthanasia, also known as “assisted suicide” is what happens when somebody takes their own life, or assists someone in taking theirs when the person is seriously ill or in extreme pain. It is loosely known as “mercy killing” as the patient is no longer suffering, hence it is sometimes allegedly compassionate.
But the question is, should Euthanasia be made legal in the United Kingdom?
There are two main types of Euthanasia - Voluntary and Non-voluntary. Voluntary euthanasia is carried out with consent from the patient whereas non-voluntary euthanasia is carried out without consent. The decision is made by somebody else because the patient is incapable of doing so.
The two medical classifications of Euthanasia are Passive and Active. Passive Euthanasia occurs when a doctor or medical expert is given the option not to prescribe treatments for a hopelessly ill patient. If a Doctor prescribes strong painkillers to a patient which may cause long-term effects, some people might argue that Passive Euthanasia is taking place. However, many disagree with this as there is no intention of death. Active Euthanasia is when the intention is to end the patient’s life in one move with perhaps a shot or another substance. Active Euthanasia can be concluded by the patient or somebody else.
Euthanasia is illegal worldwide with the exception of Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Montana, Oregon and Washington in the United States of America. In the UK, a 14year prison sentence is given to those involved with Euthanasia, under the 1961 Suicide Act. The Disability and Health Journal published in 2010 that at least 3,147 deaths had been caused worldwide by Euthanasia.
There are plenty of arguments for the legalisation of Euthanasia and there are plenty of arguments against it. One argument which is pro-Euthanasia is the “Ethical” argument. This argument states that people have a right to freedom of choice and that it