Euthanasia, a sensitive topic for most; some are for it, some are against it. The issue that is presented in James Rachel’s “Active and Passive Euthanasia” is an attempt to determine if assisted death is morally acceptable or flat out immoral.This controversial topic is a subject that comes up frequently in the medical field. Should one be able to self inflict death? Some say it is morally wrong while others believe otherwise. I am here to argue in favor of Euthanasia!
However, before teaming up with James Rachel and arguing in favor of Euthanasia, it is best that you, the reader, understand the difference between Active and Passive Euthanasia. First and for most, there is a significant gap between these two classifications of Euthanasia.
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The second reason is that the duty of not killing someone is dischargeable. Third, if we do not succeed in saving a dying individual, we essentially leave open the possibility that someone else might come along and save them. Lastly, some philosophers consistently believe that letting someone die is not as bad as killing because of the difference in the intention behind the two kinds of actions (James Rachel, Killing and Letting Die). Rachel’s argument towards both Active Euthanasia and Passive Euthanasia is accurate in the sense that Active Euthanasia is morally wrong and in some cases Passive Euthanasia is acceptable. Let’s take the scenario of the patient who is dying of incurable cancer of the throat and is in terrible pain. Although this type of cancer is incurable, there is still the slightest of chances that the individual’s body will reject the cancer and form healthy cells that will in turn fight against the cancer on its own. But since this is not …show more content…
One who is against Euthanasia may feel that although an individual may want to end their life due to terminal suffering, as mentioned before, even at the slightest of chances the individual may have a chance of healing and getting better with continuous treatment. There are some cases in which individual’s immune systems fight back and come back stronger and in a sense is clean of any infection. Another view is that, regardless of the process, assisted or unassisted, if the result is one’s death, the act is immoral. Last but not least, one who feels strongly against Euthanasia would argue that even Passive Euthanasia would lead to Active Euthanasia. Take the same part of the passage that I mentioned in the beginning. If the doctor refrained from providing treatment to the cancer patient then the suffering of the patient would increase, which would then take the case from being referred to as Passive Euthanasia to then being classified as Active Euthanasia. Let it be known that this does not overlook any crucial distinctions, but instead pays attention to each detail to the contrary view presented above. With that being said, since all details are paid close attention to, this argument against Euthanasia does not move too quickly, because as mentioned all possible details and claims are
Or, this is due to the fact that unless she interferes and puts an end to his life, that his life will be so horrible he’d be better off dead. Hence, the main reason that the person who carries out the act of euthanasia is that they want to accommodate the one whose death is imminent. “It is important to emphasize the motive of benefiting the person who is assisted to die because well-being is a key value in relation to the morality of euthanasia.” (Young) This is also clear as day in many cases of physician-assisted suicide.
The Right to Die 1) Introduction a) Thesis statement: Physician assisted suicide offers patients a choice of getting out of their pain and misery, presents a way to help those who are already dead mentally because of how much a disease has taken over them, proves to be a great option in many states its legal in, and puts the family at ease knowing their love one is out of pain. i) The use of physician assisted death is used in many different countries and some states. ii) Many people who chose this option are fighting a terminal illness.
When a doctor administers the process or drugs that constitute voluntary active euthanasia, then that doctor acknowledges that it will end the individual’s life. Knowingly doing this, as a medical professional, is simply willingly killing an individual, which the social contract has always acknowledged as one of the worst acts an individual can commit. Intentional killing is always bad because it takes away everything that life entails, such as the pursuit of happiness and
Others may also choose euthanasia too soon, weakening the body’s chance to fight an illness. A person may also choose euthanasia for selfless reasons (e.g. they see their spouse suffering from hospital visits or going into debt). J. Gay Williams third argument, the argument from practical effects, is what I find most convincing. He speaks about euthanasia going against doctors and nurses very commitment which may therefore lead to an “overall decline in medical healthcare” (Rachels, RTD, 357). It is also may cause a ripple effect in regards to killing (Rachels, RTD,
People may ask “Why is it the right thing to do?” In order for people to have an answer to that question they must first know what Euthanasia is and how that if you have the mind set of all life is precious like Kant’s exert in the article of euthanasia chapter three of contemporary moral issues you are being selfish. According to Dictionary.com the definition of Euthanasia is “mercy killing. the act of putting to death painlessly or
Assisted suicide Euthanasia is mercy way of helping a patient who is suffering from severe pain from a certain injury or disease to get rid of this pain by mercy killing or assisted suicide. Euthanasia is killing the patient without any rights of taking his own soul which is a gift from god just because he is feeling the pain which could be cured or healed in the future, also refusing medicines and drugs is kind of legal euthanasia even if it is a cause of financial problems. This essay will outline the arguments against euthanasia as no human being should have the right to kill another person even with his permission to avoid suffering from certain pain. Different religions had prohibited euthanasia, there are different ethical arguments as there must be respect for the sanctity of life and all lives must be equal in value, no life is more worth than other just because of suffering pain or injury, some practical problem which make it more prohibitive as there is no way of regulating euthanasia and also gives doctor too much power. So I totally believe that Euthanasia should be banned globally for religious, ethical and practical reasons.
Assisted suicide is a rather controversial issue in contemporary society. When a terminally ill patient formally requests to be euthanized by a board certified physician, an ethical dilemma arises. Can someone ethically end the life of another human being, even if the patient will die in less than six months? Unlike traditional suicide, euthanasia included multiple individuals including the patient, doctor, and witnesses, where each party involved has a set of legal responsibilities. In order to understand this quandary and eventually reach a conclusion, each party involved must have their responsibilities analyzed and the underlying guidelines of moral ethics must be investigated.
Imagine having to endure so much pain and suffering for a majority of your life that you would just want it all to end. Well, there is a way one can stop their own pain and suffering and it is called euthanasia. Euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease. The act may only be done solely to those diagnosed with terminal illnesses such as cancer, aids, and heart disease. Many people agree with the idea of euthanasia as it can help those who are suffering be stripped of all the pain they are enduring.
This essay suggest that active euthanasia should be supported. This essay elaborate the statement in three argument. Firstly, according to utilitarianism, active euthanasia can produces greatest net pleasure and happiness. Secondly, some philosopher Mary Anne Warren and Frances Kamm states that the practice of active euthanasia is kind and merciful, which allow people
Everyone has the right to choose to live or die. Death is part of life that can 't be avoided. This is a natural phenomenon in the process of life is birth, aging, illness and death. Euthanasia, in some words "Mercy Killing or Physician assisted Suicide. " Euthanasia is to help patients who despair and cannot be cured to die peacefully and to have free from suffering.
Hunter Blalock Mr N Bradsher English IV Honors Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. What about Death? Chronic diseases affect approximately 133 million Americans each year (National Health Council 1). Even more, are mortally wounded.
There are many forms of euthanasia. Whether it’s active or passive, voluntary or non-voluntary, most of these forms are illegal in almost every country in the world. Passive euthanasia is refusing treatment and allowing illness or injuries kill you, however active euthanasia is what I’m going to talk about today. It generally consists of injecting a lethal chemical composite dose into the bloodstream that is meant to end your life in the most painless way possible. We live in a world that has opposing viewpoints on this subject; there are those who view it as homicide, and others who view it as the most sincere form of human compassion.
Euthanasia is usually used to refer to active euthanasia, and in this sense, euthanasia is usually considered to be criminal homicide, but voluntary, passive euthanasia is widely non-criminal. Voluntary Euthanasia is conducted with the consent of the patient while Involuntary Euthanasia is conducted against the will of the patient. Beginning with the philosophical aspects of euthanasia we must first understand the importance of the sanctity of life. Human life is sacred because God made humankind in His own image, and that each individual human
Voluntary euthanasia is legitimate in a few nations and U.S. states. Non-voluntary euthanasia is illicit in all nations. Automatic euthanasia is generally acknowledged murder. As of 2006, euthanasia is the most dynamic range of exploration in contemporary bioethics.
THE EUTHANASIA CONTROVERSY Summary Euthanasia has constantly been a heated debate amongst commentators, such as the likes of legal academics, medical practitioners and legislators for many years. Hence, the task of this essay is to discuss the different faces minted on both sides of the coin – should physicians and/or loved ones have the right to participate in active euthanasia? In order to do so, the essay will need to explore the arguments for and against legalizing euthanasia, specifically active euthanasia and subsequently provide a stand on whether or not it should be an accepted practice.