Euthanasia Debate

Generally, the euthanasia debate has focused on various key concerns. According to euthanasia opponent Ezekiel Emanuel, supporters of euthanasia have presented four main arguments:

a) People have the right to self-determination and should be able to choose their own fate;

b) Helping one to die at their own will is a better option than making them suffer;

c) The difference between passive euthanasia, which is acceptable and active euthanasia, which is prohibited is irrational; and

d) Allowing euthanasia will not lead to consequences but supporters of euthanasia indicate countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and U.S states like Oregon that have legalized euthanasia to justify its innocence.

Euthanasia and Religion

Numerous arguments also rely on religious beliefs. Many Christians believe that taking a life is a sin and that no one should be interfering with God’s plan for everyone. The most conventional of Christians are even against passive euthanasia. Other religious groups dispute the other side of the argument and believe drugs that help in ending suffering faster are God-given and should be administered after one’s consent. I personally believe that the euthanasia debate is commonly being discussed with religion. The world is a place with many people who have different beliefs and values. Religion is predominantly the main argument anti-euthanasia activists refer to for guidance and answers. My personal belief regarding the matter is the same as most Christians which is that God has a plan for everyone and we should not interfere. Some would raise the argument of personal experience involving a loved one being in pain and not being able to do anything. I personally would not know what I would do in that situation. These are tough decisions to make and I hope I never have to make any of them in my lifetime.      

A major group who are involved with the euthanasia debate are physicians. A survey conducted in the United States recorded the opinions of over 10,000 medical doctors and found that a mere 16% would consider stopping life support with the approval of the family or the patient. An encouraging 55% would never do such. The study also found that a surprising 46 % of doctors believed that physician assisted suicide should be acceptable in some cases. These percentages shocked me and made me proud. The fact that 16% of doctors would take patients off life support and 46% have no interjection with physician assisted suicide is mind boggling. The dispute regarding euthanasia is a growing social issue which involves religion, social and medical sciences. Euthanasia is a well-known field in modern bioethics and this reassures me that multiple studies will be conducted throughout the years to help educate others and the best method of reporting it. 

References

1. http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_96h02_e.htm

2. Health Care Consent Act, 1996 http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca

3. Health Care Consent Act, 1996 http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca

4. Whiting, Raymond (2002), A Natural Right to Die: Twenty-Three Centuries of Debate, Westport, Connecticut

5. Kluge, Eike-Henner W. (2000), "“Assisted Suicide, Ethics and the Law: The Implication of Autonomy and Respect for Persons, Equality and Justice, and Beneficence.”", in Prado, C.G., Assisted Suicide: Canadian Perspectives, Ottawa, Canada: University of Ottawa Press, p. 83