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Euthanasia: Mercy or Murder?

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Euthanasia: Mercy or Murder?
Greyson Gunn
Pre-AP English 10
February 28, 2014 Euthanasia: Mercy or Murder? Although moral and societal issues could result from the potential implementation of euthanasia, it has proven to have a number of solid benefits: some situations require the alternative; the act is merciful; it is an economically efficient decision. For instance, in what circumstance would any person want to survive knowing that they merely existed and did not really live? Throughout the years, many cases have arisen in which people knew they would have to slowly suffer and wither away. The thought of experiencing such an awful death should not seem appealing to anyone. “Death with Dignity” is the act which tries to ensure a person is given as much control as possible in their final days. These days must number less than one hundred eighty, or six months, to qualify for the prescription to purchase medication that will put an end to their misery. Also, take into consideration the fact that money is an essential component of today’s world. Why should a person be expected to continue to spend money on a hopeless case? As a patient faces an inevitable death, their dying days will most likely be spent in a hospital where an overnight stay alone can cost an average of seventeen hundred dollars (Hospital Stays). For many, the idea of legalizing euthanasia is absurd. They feel as though that would be the same concept as legalizing murder. Some believe that by removing laws to prevent euthanasia, a very rapid downward spiral would be set in motion. As time goes on and the morals of the people of the world as a whole diminish, it is very clear to those against euthanasia that the legalization would only be a foothold for those in favor. Also, faith comes into play. According to “Religion and Euthanasia” on the British Broadcasting
Corporation’s website, killing is



Cited: "About Us." Death with Dignity National Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. "Euthanasia." ProConorg Headlines. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. "Euthanasia, Right to Die: Cases." Euthanasia, Right to Die: Cases. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. "History and Debate of Euthanasia." Euthanasia Debate. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2014. "Hospital Stays Can Put a Strain on Your Personal Finances." Hospital Stays Can Put a Strain on Your Personal Finances. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. "Human Euthanasia, The Debate: The Arguments for Both Sides." Examiner.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. "Oregon Revised Statute." Oregon Revised Statute. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2014. "Personal Stories." - Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2014. "Religion and Euthanasia." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. "What Is Euthanasia." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2014.

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