Euthanasia: Is this a morally acceptable practice for nurses to assist - Research Paper Example

Thus, in regards to such chronic and incurable patients the term attracts attention in helping them get final relief from their suffering and agony in a painless manner. (McCormack, 1998. p. 63) A sharp relation to the grounds of promoting Euthanasia or ‘mercy killing’ has been identified closely with modern nursing practices. In this regard, it is found that ethical issues concerning nursing practices present an ambiguity regarding the role of nurses in helping a patient to take suicidal decisions.

The Nursing profession mainly aims in reduction of pain and agony of patients suffering from acute and chronic disease. However, the act of alleviating pain becomes a controversial issue when it is tied up with killing the patient to relieve one from such painful existence. It must be understood that the role of nurses in medical profession should mainly aim at preserving and not destroying life. Thus, whatsoever may be the reason the nursing profession should remain immune to promoting the practice of ‘mercy killing’.

(Fry & Johnstone, 2002, p.101) The paper in this direction argues to condemn the practice of Euthanasia by nursing circles. The practice of Euthanasia or ‘mercy killing’ is an act of murder in disguise, which is strongly opposed under ethical perspectives. While commenting on the patterns of Euthanasia, it is closely observed that Euthanasia can be pursued both in an active and as well as in a passive fashion. Thus, the classifications enabled are ‘Active’ and ‘Passive’ Euthanasia.

Again, judging the involvement of the patient to acts of Euthanasia the classification entails the patient’s desire to meet death. Thus, Voluntary practice of Euthanasia reflects the patient’s voluntary desire to be killed. However, in contrast to the above point Euthanasia can also be ‘involuntary’ and ‘non-voluntary’ where it is not pursued in