Title: "Euthanasia" 380 word opinion essay; should euthanasia be legal; definition of euthanasia; where is it legal and where it is not
Artur Fedko Z3``
Euthanasia, "either painlessly putting to death or failing to prevent death from natural causes in cases of terminal illness or irreversible coma". The term comes from the Greek expression for "good death." Now, this short definition is a cause of debates all over the world. Doctors, politicians, religious leaders, lawyers, and general public argue over the legislation that would allow or forbid euthanasia. There are only two countries, which permit such "activity"; these are Netherlands and Belgium, and the state of Oregon in the United States.
Should people be forced to stay alive? Should people, who suffer from excruciating pain and are hooked up to machines in order to stay alive, have the right to decide for themselves whether to "live" like that or not? Just one answer comes to our mind - "Yes, they should". So why isn't so? There are people who want to stay alive no matter how painful it may be but there are people who won't stand the severe pain they are exposed to. Being "nailed" to bed for weeks, months or even worse, years, is not the idea of "perfect life" for anyone. Those people suffer great deal of physical and mental pain, which in the end, leads to depression. Being aware of the fact that "everything was done" and nothing has helped must be devastating. Those, who are still mentally alert, should be allowed to "leave" if it is their wish to do so.
On the other hand, everyone wants to live for as long as it is possible. Even though, patients are aware of their fatal condition, they don't lose hope for cure. In some cases, it may make them even stronger. If there is a right emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and patient's family, the desire to end life fades away. Sometimes, it is just a matter of right medicine to limit the pain and to make the remaining time more comfortable.
However, in my view, living in constant pain and knowing that there is no cure coming, would make me choose the first option. I don't
Euthanasia, "either painlessly putting to death or failing to prevent death from natural causes in cases of terminal illness or irreversible coma". The term comes from the Greek expression for "good death." Now, this short definition is a cause of debates all over the world. Doctors, politicians, religious leaders, lawyers, and general public argue over the legislation that would allow or forbid euthanasia. There are only two countries, which permit such "activity"; these are Netherlands and Belgium, and the state of Oregon in the United States.
Should people be forced to stay alive? Should people, who suffer from excruciating pain and are hooked up to machines in order to stay alive, have the right to decide for themselves whether to "live" like that or not? Just one answer comes to our mind - "Yes, they should". So why isn't so? There are people who want to stay alive no matter how painful it may be but there are people who won't stand the severe pain they are exposed to. Being "nailed" to bed for weeks, months or even worse, years, is not the idea of "perfect life" for anyone. Those people suffer great deal of physical and mental pain, which in the end, leads to depression. Being aware of the fact that "everything was done" and nothing has helped must be devastating. Those, who are still mentally alert, should be allowed to "leave" if it is their wish to do so.
On the other hand, everyone wants to live for as long as it is possible. Even though, patients are aware of their fatal condition, they don't lose hope for cure. In some cases, it may make them even stronger. If there is a right emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and patient's family, the desire to end life fades away. Sometimes, it is just a matter of right medicine to limit the pain and to make the remaining time more comfortable.
However, in my view, living in constant pain and knowing that there is no cure coming, would make me choose the first option. I don't