Euthanasia Overview
The term Euthanasia has become well known throughout the country. The word is derived from ancient Greek eu thantos, meaning "easy death." Today, euthanasia is referred to as mercy killing. There is much controversy over whether or not the practice is just. Euthanasia raises many religious, medical, and ethical issues. Euthanasia can either be active or passive. Active euthanasia occurs when a physician or other medical personnel induces death. An overdose is administered to the patients in the form of insulin, barbiturates, or morphine, and then followed by an injection of curare. Passive euthanasia, on the other hand, is allowing the patient to die due to lack of treatment. This includes taking the patient off their support system, or respirator. Passive euthanasia also includes stopping the food supply intravenously to comatose patients (Compton's, 1). Debate has flourished against those who accept passive euthanasia, but reject active. Questions are asked why one form is accepted and not the other. The distinction that is made between the two of them is that active is murder, while passive is merciful. Turning off support systems is a positive act of death (Singer, 76).
" Opponents believe that euthanasia acts against nature. Birth to Death: Science and Bioethics. They do, however, accept two forms of eu thantos: caring for dying patients, and letting terminally ill persons die. With euthanasia, death is no longer natural; it is a result of a medical decision. Catholics also allow the refusing "forms of treatment that would secure a precarious and burdensome prolongation of life (557). Opponents argue the possibility of "s pontaneous remission. If a patient has a "will" the doctor must respect and follow the requests exhibited in the will (Eser, 121). Families might, despite their love for the patient, consider the money being spent for what may be a hopeless cause (Baird, 97). Two witnesses who are of no relation to the testator and who will not benefit from his or her death must be present at the signing. , The Least Worst Death; Essays in Bioethics On the End of Life. Before euthanasia is implemented the question must be asked if it is in the patients best interest (Battin,120).
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