The Ethic Problem of Euthanasia
What Does It Mean “Euthanasia”? Euthanasia (from Greek: εὐθανασία; "good death“) is the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. What death means to us? The fear of inevitable or lungful peace? Should a person have social permission to commit a suicide (active or passive euthanasia) in case of extremal situation such as a fatal illness or feeling of unbearable pain? Do anybody have the right to decide if someone should live or die? A murder or an assisted suicide? The problem of families which can’t afford the treatment of person in fatal condition or keeping alive “brain dead” person. How should the law relate to it? The possibility of slippery slope.
The Society’s Attitude to the Death Antiquity. Hastening of a person's death, was supported by Socrates, Plato and Seneca the Elder. Hippocrates appears to have spoken against the practice Judeo-Christian tradition. Tomas Aquinas: the practice of euthanasia violates instinct of survival and God’s will. However, in reality the practice of it was not prohibited and was continued. Japanese culture. Religious belief of reincarnation. Suicide used in cases of honor. Age of Enlightenment. People’s right to chose. The practice of euthanasia is more accepted. Modernity. There are endless debates about the practice and the person’s right to commit a suicide. Personal right or violation of the law?
The Social Permission of Euthanasia in Case of Great Physical Sufferings Pros The personal right to make a decision about his/her life A few people can bear permanent physical pain Cons Suicide strongly violates social norms in the majority of developed countries Death can occur before effective treatment Small chance of “miraculous” recovery Basic instinct of survival The case of inevitable death
Doctor’s and Family’s Participant in Euthanasia Pros One act of homicide is already legal in all countries: killing during the war. Euthanasia is more humane in its intentions Doctor can guarantee “merciful” and painless death Family members cannot tolerate sufferings of theirs dearest and nearest A few families can allow keep person artificially alive during long time Cons Even societies with legal use of euthanasia recognize it as an act of homicide Doctor violates the oath of Hippocrates. He/she is intentionally killing a human being Family members cannot allow to die their dearest and nearest The cost of treatment or keeping alive can be donated by the state or charity
Jurisdictions and the Slippery Slope Save lives that can be saved Patients can die with dignity then have the illness reduce them to the shell of their former selves Euthanasia can maximize efficiency of medical budget and time of medical staff to save curable people Doctors are already deal with death. Euthanasia will not transform them into executioners. Proper laws can safe from nonvoluntary euthanasia The practice of euthanasia can devalue the sanctity of life The euthanasia can be made because of lust of profit. Family members want inheritance. Insurance companies don’t want to pay their obligations The state can’t regulate doctor’s and patient’s relationship due to medical confidentiality The legalization of euthanasia can lead to same situation in the Nazi Germany. It can be a euphemism to disguise a genocide It can lead to death of non-critical patients. Can be used toward healthy children whose lives are controlled by parents. Child Euthanasia can become equal to abortion.
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