Autonomy Of Euthanasia

Euthanasia refers to the intentional bringing about of the death of a patient, either by killing him/her, or by letting him/her die, for the patient's sake to prevent further pain or suffering from a terminal illness. Euthanasia is a complex issue in many underlying theological, sociological, moral, and legal aspects. Its legalization is heavily debated around the world, with strong arguments made for both sides of the issue. The supporters of euthanasia often repeated that "We have to respect the freedom of the patient" or "people should be able to exercise control over their own lives and death." However, Euthanasia, by nature, is "wrongfully killing" or "mercy killing", and if we allow any type of euthanasia, all sorts of negative

defined as the mode or act of inducing death painlessly or as a relief for pain. Although there

People, are incensed because in Muslim beliefs one is not allowed to commit suicide, which also applies to Christianity. (Source I). Several Journalists have also stated against euthanasia because they believe that life is truthfully sanctified and that “God” created life, so one cannot choose to die. (Source A). The Hippocratic oath as well specifically reads that doctors or physicians are not sanctioned to kill patients. (Source M). Even though many people are against euthanasia the citizens still want options for the end of their own life. (Source C). If the alternatives are inadequate and regulated the agony of the patients does not go away; numerous places have already legalized euthanasia, such as the Netherlands in 2002 being the first. Similarly, Japan’s Shintoists believe that people and patients should be sanctioned to die if they request for it. (Source C). In the Netherlands, 85 percent of the doctors will and can also consider facilitating patients and people in death. (Source B). Even though the Hippocratic oath states that doctors are not to kill their patients, there are two main forms of euthanasia- passive and active. (Source C). The two central forms of euthanasia do not go against regulations because subsequently those doctors have to be in accordance with the patients and people. (Source C).

People opposed to euthanasia may argue that physician assisted suicide is going against God. However, people shouldn’t lengthen the process of dying than what is absolutely necessary. In his article on euthanasia, Steve Seibold wrote, “If someone chooses to believe that God wants her to suffer through a terminal illness that's her decision, but when you force the rest of us to obey laws based on evidence-less beliefs, it’s wrong and needs to be stopped.” Others may possibly mention that life is sacred and euthanasia cheapens the value of life. On the other hand, all people, who are mentally capable of deciding, should have equal rights and opportunities to live, or to decide not to continue

The idea of non-voluntary active euthanasia is not such a disaster, as euthanasia itself. The problem that comes into consideration is when and why it should be used. When euthanasia is non-voluntary and active, such as on a patient with dementia, the ethical decision comes into play if there are episodes of clarity and the patient has or has not mentioned what they want to do at the end of life situations. Principles of deontology suggest duty and obligation. A medical professional in such situations have an obligation to fulfill the patient 's wishes. The nature of their obligation does not sway based on what they personally think. Patients with dementia have some moments of clarity, but because their brains are still deteriorating, non-

Moreover, euthanasia is restricted by the church. This is another important point that we should consider, especially for religious people. According to “Death and Dignity” it is emphasized that “Life is a gift from God and it is only God who can take it back”. Christian’s point of view considers euthanasia as a crime against church, religion and God. Christians consider this as an immoral act. When considering the religious factor as well, we can conclude that no one has the right to take control over our lives, especially when we are unconscious.

Furthermore, legalizing euthanasia in the United States breaches the basic principles medical doctors practice by violating the Hippocratic Oath, damaging the relationship between a doctor and his or her patient, and creating opportunities for abuse. Euthanasia’s legalization allowing physicians to perform assisted suicide defy fundamental elements a physician values. Most primitively, a doctor assisting a patient in her or her death through euthanasia violates an oath taken by all physicians before entering the medical field. This oath is known as the Hippocratic Oath and is taken to guide physicians to make ethical and caring decisions for their patients. John Safranek writes about the Oath’s essentials in his article, “Autonomy and Assisted Suicide: the Execution of Freedom.” In it, he says, “The Hippocratic Oath, professed by doctors through the

Euthanasia is considered inhumane to a huge amount of people. Many people believe that the patients are not in the right mind to make that decision. The patient could be depressed or they do not know how to cope with the struggles in their life and that is why they turn to euthanasia. Many people believe that euthanasia is messing with fate because it is an assisted suicide. A patient should not have that much of power or that much control of their life. In religions Christianity and Islam believe that

Autonomy emphasizes on patients desires and demand. Physician-assisted suicide goes against the moral law to kill oneself in instances when continued living produces more pain than satisfaction. On maters ethics physician assisted suicide is supported by the autonomy principle. However, physicians should make efforts in assisting patients to understand the medical options in their hands as well as to ensure that patients undergo full psychological analysis in the event they request for physician-assisted suicide. Mental depression resulting from long term suffering due to diseases or a spiritual crisis might cause patient to request for physician-assisted suicide. Patient empowerment, by both family members and physicians, plays a vital role when considering undertaking patient assisted suicide by informing them about the implications of their decisions.

There are many arguments both for and against euthanasia. Many faith groups within Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other religions believe that God gives life and therefore only God should take it away. Suicide would then be considered an interference of God's plan for that individual. Therefore, such groups argue that the patient should continue living and suffering until God decides otherwise. Some religious extremist groups take this idea to the extent that they will not seek medical treatment for any condition at all.

Those who are against euthanasia may also believe that life is a sacred thing that isn’t ours to take. Many different religions believe this like Christianity, Jewish faith, and some Muslim faiths believe that god is the only one that can take a life. However, in America, we have freedom of religion. Patients who have these religions just won’t take this option. Those who are atheists, or have a religion that don’t believe in this have the option of euthanasia. America is a free country, where people have the choice of what they want to do. The religion of a few shouldn’t determine the life of people who don’t believe in it.

Euthanasia is one of the most controversial topics in modern society, and every human being has a different view on it according to their culture, their nation's

Finally, Falconer also incorporates religious views in the article as well, referring back to the Terry Schiavo case which he calls “the darling religious right in the United States” (Falconer, 2009, para. 4). Modern medicine now has devoted followers have second thoughts on the matter. However, religions do have a degree of understanding with death and dying as it “unites us all” (Falconer, 2009, p.2). In most cultures, euthanasia is seen not only as a legal issue, but also a religious issue. Some faiths have embraced the idea as the ultimate act of compassion, and others simply reject it is as it is not an expression of faith and is a denial of God’s presence and power in one’s life.

Euthanasia can be viewed as sympathy killing; it is the assistance of one in the act of achieving their own death. Because of this, euthanasia is a topic that can be deemed to be the most controversial. The United Kingdom’s (UK) current position on euthanasia is that it is unlawful. This is mainly because a lot of the laws and policies that are implemented, are often based around religion and morality. The main religion in which the UK is encompassed in, is Christianity, but every religion values the sanctity of life. This is the concept that every life is important and therefore it should be treasured, regardless of differences of physicality, mentality or any possible ailments that one may experience within their lifetime. The general role

The ethical issue is Euthanasia, there are many groups that support or oppose this issue. Euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. The different viewpoints are based around whether it is humane to assist someone in dying and whether it should be illegal for someone to assist the death of someone who has a terminal illness and are suffering incurable pain. Groups that oppose the issue generally believe that it is inhumane to end someone 's life early, these groups generally believe these people should be given care and as much comfort as possible until their last days. Groups that support the issue generally believe that if someone has lost their mental state or are suffering unbearable pain that cannot be cured, that they should be allowed the option of euthanasia because it is inhumane to make someone suffer unbearable pain if they do not need to. An ethical issue brings systems of morality and principles into conflict, ethical issues are more subjective and opinionated and generally cannot be solved with facts, laws and truth. Euthanasia is an ethical issue because there are two equally unacceptable options. It is considered wrong