Euthanasia
The greatest gift one can receive is the gift of life, and that is how every human being should look at their life - as a great gift that should be treasured. Unfortunately, many people in society today do not see life as a great gift. They do not see it as something to hold on to. These people are advocates of euthanasia: the "assisting in the death of a person suffering from an incurable disease" (Gerber, Macionis: 2002:537). Although this may seem like a justifiable thing to do, the legalization of euthanasia will have many more negative effects on society than positive. Legalizing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide will send out a negative message and cause society to devalue all life, especially the lives of the dying, the disabled and the elderly. Legalization will also seriously reduce efforts to humanize the dying process. If an easier way out with "socially acceptable" mercy killings is available the hard work needed to preserve life will simply become less and less worth it. In addition, a decision for a middle ground, legalizing euthanasia under certain justifiable circumstances and not others, will lead society into considerable legal, ethical, and social problems. Furthermore, the right to physical
Canada cannot allow this to happen to its nation-wide community. Canadians need to be aware of palliative care as a positive alternative for the relief of suffering. My father was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. At stake are Canadian society's most fundamental moral and ethical concepts and determining what policy best promotes the highest good for individuals and society"(Smith, 1997:202). I would never have wanted my father to be "put down" by a doctor because he was sick and I know he never would have wanted that either. Legalizing euthanasia would not be a step forward for society but rather a giant leap backward if Canadians encourage and assist individuals who have had their lives impacted by a terminal diagnosis, a disability, chronic pain, the debilitation of old age or depression. The legalization of euthanasia in The Netherlands proves that specific safeguards that were promised to the public can be violated, as the practice is increasingly occurring without consent, circumvention of the law, and abuse of the vulnerable. However, the side effects can almost always be controlled. Many far and better ways exist to serve people in need while simultaneously increasing the sense of personal dignity and self-worth in almost all ill or disabled people. According to the "New England Journal of Medicine in November 1996, only 41 percent of all euthanasia deaths were reported to the authorities. Canadians need to protect and preserve ethical guidelines and legal prohibitions against euthanasia and assisted suicide and Canadians also need to represent the vulnerable and, where appropriate, advocate before the courts on issues of euthanasia and related subject. Premature death would be viewed as a solution to misery, pain, aging, socials ills and rising health costs. "When nothing more can be gained from curative treatment, hospices focus on making people as comfortable as possible"(Smith, 1997:229). Moreover, many doctors continue to have several misconceptions regarding pain control. The situation in The Netherlands is a perfect example of this illusion.
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Acceptance Essays
