Euthanasia: Mercy or Crime?
Euthanasia: Mercy or Crime?
Euthanasia, has long been a highly touchy and debatable issue in many fields. Although the lives of many patients can be saved through new breakthroughs in treatment and technology, mankind is still unable to find the cure for many illnesses. Even with all the money in the world, patients who suffer from chronic diseases and illnesses are forced to go through the struggles of physical pain. They have no other choice but to bear with their suffering. Supporters of euthanasia maintain that people should have the right to decide to end their lives through the best means possible to eliminate pain and suffering. But is this truly ethical and acceptable? I am strongly against euthanasia it is completely unethical and morally unacceptable in both the religious and secular world. Any active act of euthanasia, whether voluntary or involuntary, should not be allowed because it undermines the sanctity of human life.
The definition of euthanasia is the termination of a sick person’s life to relieve him of his suffering. Also known as mercy killing, euthanasia is not natural at all. It is not about dying of natural causes. Rather, it is the ending of a person’s life deliberately. Do we as humans have the right to choose when and how to end our own lives? First, we have to realize the value of human life. The Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred and the taking of any innocent life is immoral and sinful. Of course, it is arguable that no one should deserve to undergo a long, painful death, but there are always other alternatives to euthanasia. The Church believes that the sick should be given treatment and the dying should be comforted. Those who are suffering from illnesses have the option of palliative care. The great advancements in the medical field have provided us with a variety of pain relieving treatments and medications. These options should be taken advantage of in order to relieve the pain of suffering patients.
Those
Euthanasia, has long been a highly touchy and debatable issue in many fields. Although the lives of many patients can be saved through new breakthroughs in treatment and technology, mankind is still unable to find the cure for many illnesses. Even with all the money in the world, patients who suffer from chronic diseases and illnesses are forced to go through the struggles of physical pain. They have no other choice but to bear with their suffering. Supporters of euthanasia maintain that people should have the right to decide to end their lives through the best means possible to eliminate pain and suffering. But is this truly ethical and acceptable? I am strongly against euthanasia it is completely unethical and morally unacceptable in both the religious and secular world. Any active act of euthanasia, whether voluntary or involuntary, should not be allowed because it undermines the sanctity of human life.
The definition of euthanasia is the termination of a sick person’s life to relieve him of his suffering. Also known as mercy killing, euthanasia is not natural at all. It is not about dying of natural causes. Rather, it is the ending of a person’s life deliberately. Do we as humans have the right to choose when and how to end our own lives? First, we have to realize the value of human life. The Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred and the taking of any innocent life is immoral and sinful. Of course, it is arguable that no one should deserve to undergo a long, painful death, but there are always other alternatives to euthanasia. The Church believes that the sick should be given treatment and the dying should be comforted. Those who are suffering from illnesses have the option of palliative care. The great advancements in the medical field have provided us with a variety of pain relieving treatments and medications. These options should be taken advantage of in order to relieve the pain of suffering patients.
Those
References: Benjamin, H., & Gumpert, M. (2009). Euthanasia – Pro and Con. The Nation. Munkittrick, K. (2011). Euthanasia, Immortality, and The Natural Death Paradox. Discover Magazine. Truman, M. (2000). Euthanasia Frequently Goes Awry. Chicago Tribune.