Analysis of Euthanasia - Assignment Example

Euthanasia Still Remains Controversial The term ‘Euthanasia’ is described as the practice of intentionally ending up one’s life in order to relieve pain and suffering also known as ‘mercy killing’ .The laws for euthanasia differ in every country. According to Michealsen et al (1304), in GreatBritain euthanasia is considered as a deliberate act of ending sufferer’s life to relieve his pain and agony. In Netherlands, euthanasia is considered as the termination of life by a doctor on the request of the patient.

According to Harris (368) there are two types of euthanasia namely voluntary and involuntary. Most of the countries consider non-voluntary euthanasia illegal. Involuntary euthanasia is considered as a murdereven if the patient has terminal illness and is in great pain. Non-voluntary euthanasia is one in which there is no consent and takes place by terminating the medication of sufferer and it is against patient’s will and is illegal in Netherlands under Groningen euthanasia rules. Euthanasia carried out with the consent of patient is known as voluntary euthanasia.

In Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands active voluntary euthanasia is considered legal by the law. Interchangeably the term assisted suicide is also used to describe a physician assisted death. Many countries refuse treatment for patients who become comatosed (Dowbiggin,13). Referring back to the history of euthanasia it started in era of Emperor Augustus who died in the arms of his wife without suffering (Dean, 276). The term euthanasia was firstly used by Francis Bacon in early 17th century.

The main aim of this practise was to have an easy,painless and happy death. There is a great debaterelated to euthanasia which discusses both its pros and cons. The points which favour euthanasia includes patient’s right to have a peaceful end of life, helping the patient in dying might be more beneficial for the patient rather than leaving him to suffer.There are many social and moral values when the topic of euthanasia arises. There are a lot of controversies. Arguments regarding euthanasia often varywith the method adopted for the patient’s death.

Oregon death with dignity act made it legal for their residents and they were allowed to request for a lethal injection (Perrett, 368). Many arguments have been also put forward by the religious groups. According to Dowbiggin (14), in Christianity it is believed that taking one’s life for any reason is against God will and is like interrupting his commands. Conservative Christians are totally against euthanasia, whereas in some other religions euthanasia is supported and they think that drugs to end suffering are better means.

(Harris, 368) In my opinion euthanasia is morally not appreciable. It is believed that such death is cruel and unethical, therefore the law of many countries and states, doesn’t support it. Many families can even take advantage of such situation for personal benefits and as a result it can add to the patient’s suffering. If we consider the religious beliefs it is yet to be decided whether it should be put to practice or not. Top of Form Bottom of Form References Dean, Maury. Rock N Roll Gold Rush.

New York: Algora Pub, 2007. Internet resource. Dowbiggin, Ian. A merciful end: the euthanasia movement in modern America. Oxford University Press, USA, 2003. p. 13 Harris, Nonie M. "The euthanasia debate." JOURNAL-ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS 147.3 (2001): 367-370. Michalsen, Andrej, and Konrad Reinhart. "“Euthanasia”: a confusing term, abused under the Nazi regime and misused in present end-of-life debate."Intensive care medicine 32.9 (2006): 1304-1310. Perrett, Roy W. "Buddhism, euthanasia and the sanctity of life.

" Journal of Medical Ethics 22.5 (1996): 309-313. Ramsay, JH Rolland. "A king, a doctor, and a convenient death." BMJ: British Medical Journal 308.6941 (1994): 1445.