Euthanasia7
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). In the Encyclopedia of Bio-ethics,
It is our goal to protect ourselves from harm and do whatever possible to stay alive. " Personal views regarding euthanasia are often influenced by their religious beliefs. Hebraic and Jewish denominations strongly oppose the practice. If a patient has a "will" the doctor must respect and follow the requests exhibited in the will (Eser, 121). Another argument regarding abuse is the professional aspect of euthanasia. " Opponents believe that euthanasia acts against nature. "Death must never be hastened by intention. They do, however, accept two forms of eu thantos: caring for dying patients, and letting terminally ill persons die. "Death and Dying: Euthanasia and Sustaining Life. Several questions are asked regarding when, why, and under what circumstances medical personnel should implement the practice.
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