Euthanasia: a Hot Topic
Heinrichs 1
Euthanasia: A Hot Topic
Euthanasia is a sensitive topic. It is a classic paradox. To intentionally violate a basic human moral law in order to ease the suffering of another. Is it killing another person or releasing them from their earthly hell? When is euthanasia acceptable? At what point does the act justify itself? There are several types of euthanasia that should be identified before one can formulate an informed opinion. Voluntary-Active euthanasia is a type of euthanasia in which a person is cognizant of his or her situation and chooses to die. Voluntary-Active is often performed by the afflicted person themselves. Non-Voluntary euthanasia is performed on a person without the means of expressing themselves in an aware state of mind. The decision to end the person 's life can be made collectively by family members, physicians, clergy, insurance representatives, or even government personnel. The third type of euthanasia is Passive. This type of euthanasia is performed by simply discontinuing life-support equipment. Theoretically, this action removes any blame from the individual or any other outside influence by allowing the disease or trauma to take the life of the person as it originally would. There are many different circumstances and variables which affect each and every case in which euthanasia is considered. A standardized guideline for the implementation of euthanasia will not be a possibility, however, elimination of certain aspects and circumstances can be outlined. Heinrichs 2
Voluntary-Active euthanasia has many fundamental conflicts which make it problematic. For Voluntary-Active euthanasia to take place, an individual must show an interest in ending their own life. One must consider the mental state of a person with a life-threatening disease or severe trauma and the pain involved. Are they disregarding the possibility of recovery in an attempt to relieve their pain? With the sudden onset of disease or severe injury, many
Euthanasia: A Hot Topic
Euthanasia is a sensitive topic. It is a classic paradox. To intentionally violate a basic human moral law in order to ease the suffering of another. Is it killing another person or releasing them from their earthly hell? When is euthanasia acceptable? At what point does the act justify itself? There are several types of euthanasia that should be identified before one can formulate an informed opinion. Voluntary-Active euthanasia is a type of euthanasia in which a person is cognizant of his or her situation and chooses to die. Voluntary-Active is often performed by the afflicted person themselves. Non-Voluntary euthanasia is performed on a person without the means of expressing themselves in an aware state of mind. The decision to end the person 's life can be made collectively by family members, physicians, clergy, insurance representatives, or even government personnel. The third type of euthanasia is Passive. This type of euthanasia is performed by simply discontinuing life-support equipment. Theoretically, this action removes any blame from the individual or any other outside influence by allowing the disease or trauma to take the life of the person as it originally would. There are many different circumstances and variables which affect each and every case in which euthanasia is considered. A standardized guideline for the implementation of euthanasia will not be a possibility, however, elimination of certain aspects and circumstances can be outlined. Heinrichs 2
Voluntary-Active euthanasia has many fundamental conflicts which make it problematic. For Voluntary-Active euthanasia to take place, an individual must show an interest in ending their own life. One must consider the mental state of a person with a life-threatening disease or severe trauma and the pain involved. Are they disregarding the possibility of recovery in an attempt to relieve their pain? With the sudden onset of disease or severe injury, many
Cited: Magnusson, Roger. Angels of Death: Exploring the Euthanasia Underground. Sydney: Yale University Press, 2002. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Medical Futility." Ethics in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2004. Jecker, Nancy. "Medical Futility and Care of Dying Patients." Western Journal of Medicine. 1995. University of Washington, School of Medicine. (5 Nov abanet.org. 10 Jun. 2007. Estate Planning FAQ 's. (4 Nov. 2007) Catholic Church November 28, 2007 Heinrichs ii