Why Is Euthanasia Wrong
Euthanasia debate
Introduction
Euthanasia is an act in which one person does something that directly kills someone; this differs from assisted suicide where a person may enable another individual to kill themselves. The euthanasia debate is one that is controversial, dividing opinion between academics, medical professionals and ordinary people alike. Some believe that is wrong and unethical to end our own lives regardless of suffering, these people think all life is a gift and we should proceed as nature intends to the bitter ends. Many religious groups adopt this no tolerance stance related to euthanasia. Others believe that euthanasia should be permitted under certain circumstances but have many different and often opposing views as too …show more content…
The argument also includes that euthanasia is not necessary when palliative, a medical specialty focused solely on pain, stress, and symptom relief, is so advanced (Center to Advance Palliative Care, 2009). In most cases, the desire to die or suicidal thoughts have been shown to be clinical depression which is treatable. According to Taylor, Ashelford, and Fernandes (2008) psychological distress, contemplation of life issues, and the struggle of saying goodbye to family and friends can lead to severe depression, causing a desire to hasten death. These arguments although viable are both vulnerable. For one when a person is faced with example a lung cancer that is incurable and know they will die how on earth can their want to die solely be based on stress and depression? If that person is in a constant state of depression and stress then surely they have an entitlement to be so, and are well with in their right to request death. No amount of counselling will change the fact that they will die and that they are in pain, sometimes proud people who have been stripped of all control and dignity. If we talk about people like Jacob Wragg, who was physically and mentally unable to request death it is advisable that courts become more approachable in relation to this issue so as people would not be forced to take matters into their own hands. Take Diane Pretty, denied her right to personal autonomy that outweighed any duty of the state to protect her life. She was denied by the courts the right to choose to have her life terminated and as a result died in pain in a hospice. When circumstances like this are so well documented people must feel like they have no other choice other than to do
Introduction
Euthanasia is an act in which one person does something that directly kills someone; this differs from assisted suicide where a person may enable another individual to kill themselves. The euthanasia debate is one that is controversial, dividing opinion between academics, medical professionals and ordinary people alike. Some believe that is wrong and unethical to end our own lives regardless of suffering, these people think all life is a gift and we should proceed as nature intends to the bitter ends. Many religious groups adopt this no tolerance stance related to euthanasia. Others believe that euthanasia should be permitted under certain circumstances but have many different and often opposing views as too …show more content…
The argument also includes that euthanasia is not necessary when palliative, a medical specialty focused solely on pain, stress, and symptom relief, is so advanced (Center to Advance Palliative Care, 2009). In most cases, the desire to die or suicidal thoughts have been shown to be clinical depression which is treatable. According to Taylor, Ashelford, and Fernandes (2008) psychological distress, contemplation of life issues, and the struggle of saying goodbye to family and friends can lead to severe depression, causing a desire to hasten death. These arguments although viable are both vulnerable. For one when a person is faced with example a lung cancer that is incurable and know they will die how on earth can their want to die solely be based on stress and depression? If that person is in a constant state of depression and stress then surely they have an entitlement to be so, and are well with in their right to request death. No amount of counselling will change the fact that they will die and that they are in pain, sometimes proud people who have been stripped of all control and dignity. If we talk about people like Jacob Wragg, who was physically and mentally unable to request death it is advisable that courts become more approachable in relation to this issue so as people would not be forced to take matters into their own hands. Take Diane Pretty, denied her right to personal autonomy that outweighed any duty of the state to protect her life. She was denied by the courts the right to choose to have her life terminated and as a result died in pain in a hospice. When circumstances like this are so well documented people must feel like they have no other choice other than to do