Discuss the ethics of euthanasia - Essay Example

Ethics Euthanasia is the act of termination of a person’s life as an act of relieving them off their pain and suffering due to aliment (Keown, 3). The conditions for euthanasia to occur have been rigid from when it was introduced by the Greek. First, the patient to undergo this mercy killing has to be terminally ill and in great pain. Secondly, the decision as to whether or not the patient should be killed should be made by the patient themselves, otherwise, in the event that they are unable to make that decision then a close family member, relative or friend is expected to make it.

This concept of mercy killing has always been a bone of contention in the society. The notion that one is allowed to simply take their or someone else’s life just because they are in pain then the value of life is meaningless. It is believed that if someone is meant to die then they will die if not, then it is our responsibility to ensure that they live for as long as possible. There is a big difference between letting someone die and killing them. Euthanasia gives people the impression that it is okay to relieve yourself of life because the suffering has become too great.

In some cases however, the turnout of some events are beyond our control. Some patients go to hospitals in great pain but they are so willing to die that one can do nothing to help their situation. When a patient, for instance, refuses to take their medication and insist on doing away with all the burdensome medical procedures, they are bound to die. However, the doctors cannot be blamed for mercy killing in this case because the patient was difficult. The doctrine of double effect is another occurrence that is usually above the medical staff control that people confuse with euthanasia (Keown, 23).

When a person is administered to drugs they are meant to help them get better. This is the common knowledge of how hospitals operate that people are familiar with. However, this is not all true since there are some cases that the doctor might administer medication that help manage side effects of diseases but also cause the patients statues to degrade. This is what is known as the doctrine of double effect. In an accident scenario, a doctor might try to relieve the pain of a victim using a drug that might cause their liver to shut down in the process killing them.

However, this person will not die painfully but gracefully slip to oblivion. To most people, the thought of taking a life is something that should not even be put into discussion. While most cultures are very open about the concept of death, they still consider it a topic that should not be taken at face value. The dead deserve respect and honor because they are considered pace setters for those behind them. When one takes their own life for whatever reason then they are quitters. Patients who go for this are usually considered depresses, feel worthless or like a burden or what to exert their independence.

Feelings which are often ignored except by those who choose to psychologically analyze the patient (Keown, 45). Work CitedKeown John. Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy: An argument against Legalization. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 2002. Print