Life Or Death Essays - Euthanasia, Medical Ethics, Perception

Life Or Death Life or Death The beliefs and views of our country are hypocritical and unjust. As we grow from a young child to a mature adult, we are taught many things such as that killing another human being is wrong, it is against the law and goes against most people's religious beliefs. Yet, there are some instances when this rule does not seem to apply. If someone kills another in self-defense it is seen as an act of bravery, if a soldier kills an enemy in war it is seen as courageous and honorable. But who is to say that these acts are more justifiable than allowing someone who is in extreme pain and suffering to be given an opportunity to end their own lives with the help of another. As the world around us changes at an incredible rate, we must always ask ourselves if these changes are in our own best interest. The decisions that people make are always up for debate by anyone who has an opinion one way or another. The debate of euthanasia has been ongoing for many years and as of now, there is no end in sight. There are many views on the topic of euthanasia, some people believe that it should be open to anyone who feels that their life is not worth living; while others think that there is no justifiable reason for euthanasia be allowed. These opposing sides have many different reasons for believing what they do, some reasons people give for euthanasia are intriguing and very thought provoking. Some people believe that a person with an incurable disease or severe disability that causes life to be racked with pain or so burdensome that a meaningful and desirable existence has ceased, then this person should be allowed to die. This conclusion should only be allowed after all other alternatives have been thoroughly considered. Another argument that is given in favor or euthanasia is that the role of the physician is to do whatever is best for their patient. This could mean that in some extreme situations the best answer might include hastening death upon the request of the dying. The job of a physician should always be to help their patient in any way possible. It is the duty as a professional to heal, prolong life, and to reduce suffering. In some extreme cases, when every other option is hopeless, the best service that a physician can render would be to help a person hasten death in order to relieve the unnecessary suffering they must go through. Another argument supporting the use of euthanasia is that everyone would benefit if it were legal to show mercy when death becomes preferable over life. With that in mind one must look at the families and loved ones of those who wish to end their extreme suffering. No one would want to watch a loved one die in extreme agony, while sitting there not being able to do anything. This feeling of helplessness and despair would almost be unimaginable. Making anyone watch this while hoping for a quick end to his or her loved one's suffering, would be wrong in itself. Although this type of case is rare in the real world is very rare, just one case alone would be argument enough for the use of euthanasia. While the views of many people may be against the use of euthanasia, it sad to say that in all actuality it goes on almost everyday. Many people have heard of doctors who report that they have, out of compassion and mercy, given heavy doses of morphine to relieve the pain and suffering of patients who are near an inevitable death. While doing this, the doctors know perfectly well what the ending result will be, to hasten death. Somehow this is right, since the goal of this is to ease the pain and not actually to kill the patient. But would it not also be right to do the very same thing with the goal of hastening death? While these views and arguments are very interesting and thought provoking there are many more people who believe that euthanasia is wrong. There are majority of people can be separated into