Euthanasia and/or Physician-Assisted Suicide: An Issue of Passionate Debate
Euthanasia and/or physician-assisted suicide is as controversial as abortion, and remains an issue of passionate debate. Some people feel that it is morally wrong to deny a terminally ill patient assistance in ending his/her life, while others believe that no human has the right to end a life. Euthanasia and/or physician-assisted suicide is a complex issue of various moral and ethical views.The word 'euthanasia' is rooted in Greek, meaning 'good death,' ('eu' - good; 'thanatos' - death) (Robinson). The general meaning refers to the act of assisting an individual who has chosen to terminate his/her life, however other definitions of euthanasia include both "voluntary and involuntary termination of life," thus resulting in various meanings and much confusion (Robinson). Passive euthanasia is the act of hastening death by removing life support equipment, ceasing medical procedures and medications, and not performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation when the heart has stopped, all of which allow an individual to die a 'natural death,' that is by altering support, nature can then take its course (Robinson). Large doses of morphine is one of the most common forms of passive euthanasia, and is generally administered to relieve pai
This form of passive euthanasia is considered ethical among most medical societies and within most political jurisdictions (Robinson). Although assisted suicide is a criminal offense in 44 states, it is a civil offense in Virginia, and in North Carolina, Utah and Wyoming it is neither permitted nor prohibited, and Ohio has decriminalized it, but it is not condoned by state regulations (Lane). The law states that the doctor, in consultation with the patient, must determine that there is no prospect of improvement and that "there is no reasonable alternative" (Richburg). According to traditional Christian beliefs, all forms of suicide violate one's natural desire to live, harms other people, and because life is a gift of God, only God can end it (Robinson). Supporters believe that assisted suicide is a matter of personal choice, while opponents believe legalized euthanasia opens the path for varied interpretations of the guidelines, thus leading to abuse of the practice. residents support the right to assisted suicide, while 45 percent oppose it (Lane). The Oregon Death With Dignity Act was adopted in 1994 which permits doctors to prescribe, but not administer, upon request a lethal dose of medication to any mentally competent terminally ill patient (Lane). While mercy killing is often validated for patients who are existing in a persistent vegetative state with no hope of recovering consciousness, it should not be accepted as a treatment option for individuals who suffer excessive physical or mental pain, or for those who fear losing independence or who want to ensure that their children's inheritance is not consumed by medical costs. Active euthanasia is also referred to as 'voluntary passive euthanasia,' while 'involuntary euthanasia' generally refers to terminating the life of an individual who has not requested aid in dying, such as those in a persistent vegetative state with no hope of recovering consciousness (Robinson). According to a poll released in January 2006 from the Pew Research Center, 46 percent of U. While children aged 12 to 16 need their parents' consent, those aged 16 to 18 do not. The term "unbearable suffering" is open to interpretation, for example, are dementia patients suffering unbearably (Cohen-Almagor). While the guidelines require a second opinion, due to the massive paperwork and record keeping, most physician do not bother consulting another doctor, thus there are numerous cases of euthanasia that are not reported (Cohen-Almagor).
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