Euthanasia

Euthanasia is one of the most discussed issues these days in the media. The frequency of the cases that demand Euthanasia and the different points of view adopted by the community make it a controversial area to discuss. In this essay, I am going to evaluate different arguments for and against euthanasia showing that euthanasia should not be permitted.

Euthanasia is defined as "the practice of killing a person or animal, in a painless or minimally painful way, for merciful reasons, usually to end their suffering. This article discusses euthanasia in humans. Euthanasia is basically synonymous with the phrase "mercy killing." Euthanasia in the strict sense involves actively causing death. In some cases, this is legal in the Netherlands and Belgium, but not in other countries (as of 2005). Euthanasia in a wider sense includes assisting sufferers to commit suicide, in particular physician-assisted suicide; this is legal in a small number of jurisdictions" .

Many people believe that euthanasia should not be permitted for various logical and moral reasons. Most religions object to euthanasia, because God is responsible for one's life, and by permitting euthanasia we are going against the will of God. In addition, suffering may have a meaning, many people "think it provides an opportunity to grow in wisdom, character, and compassion. Suffering is something, which draws upon all the resources of a human being and enables them to reach the highest and noblest points of what they really are. Suffering allows a person to be a good example to others by showing how to behave when things are bad" . Moreover, if euthanasia was allowed doctors may abuse its usage. Doctors may put pressure on the patient to ask for euthanasia in order to reduce medical costs. In addition, "allowing euthanasia will discourage the search for new cures and treatments for the terminally ill. Euthanasia undermines the motivation to provide good care for the dying, and good pain relief" .

Everyday we hear stories of terminally ill patients asking for permission to die. These stories show that an early, intended death is the best choice for the patient. Nevertheless, there are some stories that show that euthanasia should not be allowed. Dr. Ira Byock wrote once in The New York Time Magazine about a young man suffering from AIDS who asked the doctor to end his life. This man had an unsettled family, then doctors gathered