Pro Voluntary Euthanasia from a Moral Aspect

Euthanasia and Physician assisted suicide from a Moral Aspect The questionable practices of physician assisted suicide (P.A.S.) and voluntary euthanasia have been popular debate topics for several years. The merciful relief of pain and suffering P.A.S. and voluntary euthanasia can alleviate is negatively construed by narrow minded, biased thought processes, which leads to a rigid and unreasonable position. Being for the legalization of these practices, an individual has the opportunity to form intellectual arguments that undeniably defend and favor the moral logic of euthanasia. Research has shown legalization of P.A.S. and voluntary euthanasia to be capable of significant financial and legal benefits. The premises stated throughout this paper illustrate euthanasia as a practical option from a moral perspective, backed primarily by three renowned, natural rights that prioritize a patient’s quality of life, autonomy, and well-being. These rights share similarities to the words, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” which were scripted in the Declaration of Independence, and remain widely accepted by our nation. The principles of life, autonomy, and well-being are used to defend the pro physician assisted suicide perspective. Before delving into each of these subcategories, it is important to explain different words stated throughout the remaining text. The American Medical Association’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (2010) quoted, “Euthanasia is commonly defined as the act of bringing about the death of a hopelessly ill and suffering person in a relatively quick and painless way for reasons of mercy” (as cited in LeBaron, 2010, p. 6). Euthanasia originates from the Greek terms “eu” meaning happy and/or good, and “thanatos” meaning death. Euthanasia can therefore literally be broken down to mean “happy death” (LeBaron, 2010, p. 6). Euthanasia is too broad an expression to not clarify its terms when dealing with the several meanings

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