Essay on The Case for Euthanasia - 2338 Words

In order to provide a framework for my thesis statement on the morality of euthanasia, it is first necessary to define what euthanasia is and the different types of euthanasia. The term Euthanasia originates from the Greek term â€Å"eu†, meaning happy or good and â€Å"thanatos†, which means death, so the literal definition of the word Euthanasia can be translated to mean â€Å"good or happy death†. The different types of Euthanasia are active or passive euthanasia and voluntary or involuntary euthanasia. Passive Euthanasia generally refers to the ending of a persons life by removing the person from a life-sustaining machine, such as a respirator. This form of euthanasia is endorsed by the American Medical Association and is less controversial than†¦show more content†¦I believe that active euthanasia is in and of itself a moral act when practiced under a framework of strict guidelines and laws used to make the determination on whether euthanasia is warranted. I believe the decision process used to determine whether or not to perform euthanasia must be accomplished on a case by case basis depending on a number of factors such as the patients overall medical condition, prognosis for recovery, ability to live without the aid of life supporting machines and the patients desires. Active euthanasia is currently only legalized in Oregon and Washington in the United States and in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg in Europe. One of the ethical norms most often cited when discussing morality surrounding euthanasia is an individuals right to autonomy. â€Å"A person organizes his or her own private life so that the government, doctors and nurses cannot counteract what a euthanasia requester considers as the individual realization of his or her autonomous choice†( Quaghebeur, Dierckx de Casterlà © Gastmans, 2009). Arguments for and against euthanasia are made on the basis of autonomy. Quaghebeur et al., go on to state doctors must respect an individuals right to autonomy, even if they do not agree with or feel qualified to carry out the request for euthanasia (2009). On the other hand, critics of euthanasia based on autonomous norms make the point that euthanasia carries in part, too little respect for the lives ofShow MoreRelatedThe Case Against Euthanasia913 Words   |  4 Pages(Kirkey 2). Euthanasia is defined as assisting a terminally ill patient with dying early. In many countries the legalization of this practice is being debated in many countries. All doctors against assisted suicide, including the 44 percent in Canada, are on the right side of the argument. Euthanasia should not be legalized because it is unnatural, it violates the Hippocratic Oath, and laws are to extensive. Protecting life is the ethical view of society today, and legalizing euthanasia offsets thatRead MoreEssay on Utilitarianism and the Case for Euthanasia1353 Words   |  6 PagesUnitarianism and the Case for Euthanasia One of greatest moral issues facing society today is that of freedom. Freedom is a principle that this country was founded on at the start of its inception. Freedom is still a cause that requires our attention. The great debate on simple liberties such as the right to decide what happens to one’s body is still an issue that society has failed to resolve. It is a moral quandary that will continue to be discussed and a deliberated on as long as humankind areRead MoreEuthanasia: The Case of Susan Wolfs Father1150 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction For a quite a while, Euthanasia and assisted suicide have been a topic of debate. The concern stretches from the legal, moral, religious and emotional basis. The query at hand is what is the appropriate response to assisted suicide? 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The law that prohibits active euthanasia restricts many people fromRead MoreEuthanasia And The Current Legal Position Of Euthanasia1555 Words   |  7 Pagesterm â€Å"euthanasia† is derived from Greek, and means â€Å"Good death.† It is a broad term for mercy killing, which is a plea to euthanasia. It represents a serious socio-legal debate. People do not always die well. Some afflictions cause people to suffer extreme physical pain in their last days, and euthanasia may seem a compassionate way to end the pain. The case of Karen Ann Quinlan set a precedent for patient’s right to refuse unwanted medical treatment. However, the credit of bringing euthanasia to