Euthanasia

             "Should euthanasia be legalised? What is your position on this question?
             The question of whether or not to legalise euthanasia is not a modern one. Throughout the ages there has been much debate over the legalisation of euthanasia in Australia and throughout the world. People's opinions are forever changing, and 78% of Australians now believe that euthanasia should be legalised. Euthanasia allows people to have 'a good death' and quality of life, it also allows for people to be treated with dignity. Legalisation will bring the practise of euthanasia out in the open. There should however be strict guidelines that need to be followed, such as those in place in Holland. Euthanasia should be legalised as terminally ill and incapacitated people have the right to choose when and how they die.
             The word euthanasia comes from the Greek words 'eu' and 'thanatos', which mean 'a good death'. There are many people who would benefit from 'a good death' and the only way that this can be achieved is through the legalisation of euthanasia. Sometimes being alive is not enough, the quality of life has to be considered. What sort of life is being in agony or unable to move any part of your body. In 'Willing to listen, Wanting to die' the story of 22 year old Cornelius Hus is told. After becoming a quadriplegic in a motorcycle accident, he lost control of his body functions and could not do anything for himself, not even brush away a fly. Cornelius had to rely on someone else to do everything for him. He did not want to 'a head in a chair' and whilst in rehabilitation he constantly asked for a lethal injection. As this was illegal he had to find another way to end the suffering. Ultimately his best friend heeded his pleas and shot him, the friend then shot himself. This would not have happened had euthanasia been legal and an option. Quality of life does not add up to the quantity of life. There has to be dignity
             ...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
Euthanasia. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 03:39, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/36897.html