Terri Schiavo Case - Research Paper Example

The issue of euthanasia/assisted suicide has been particularly controversial of late, particularly due to the sensational trials of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, an unrepentant medical practitioner who openly engaged in euthanasia among terminally ill patients and a recent case in the United Kingdom in which Mr. Alan Reyes of East London publicly helped his partner end his life and was subsequently arrested for the subsequent death of his partner of twenty eight years. Dr. Kevorkian, was incarcerated for eight years for helping people to die, and is reported to have participated in at least 130 assisted suicides.

Significantly as well, the high profile legal cases surrounding Terri Schiavo brought questions surrounding euthanasia to the forefront of the public’s consciousness. This essay will explore the complex issues surrounding the right to die in America today and demonstrate that the right to die is an inherent right for individuals1. Seeking to understand the complexities surrounding euthanasia as the debate continues, this essay will address both sides of the coin and explore euthanasia from a holistic perspective.

Seeking to explore the ethical and legal aspects of euthanasia, this essay will provide a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the major issues surrounding euthanasia in America today. We will discuss and debate the arguments for as well as the arguments against euthanasia and conclude with a synopsis of the research undertaken. Significantly, this essay will emphatically argue that the right to die is an inherent right which can be invoked in grave situation. Importantly, court testimony during Schiavo 1 made it clear that Terri Schiavo did not want to continue to live if her chances of recovery were miniscule.

2 Accordingly, her husband helped her fulfill her wish to end her life while she was incapacitated. This