Gutierrez, Carmela Ysabelle S.
STEM 6 – Sr. Cahill
Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide refer to deliberate action taken with the
intention of ending a life, in order to relieve persistent suffering.
In most countries, euthanasia is against the law and it may carry a jail sentence. In the
United States, the law varies between states. Thus, Euthanasia has long been a controversial and
emotive topic.
Euthanasia is wherein a doctor is allowed by law to end a person's life by a painless
means, as long as the patient and their family agree. On the other hand, a doctor assists a patient
to commit suicide if they request it.
Moreover, Euthanasia can also be classed as voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary
euthanasia is conducted with consent. Meanwhile, involuntary euthanasia is conducted without
consent. The decision is made by another person, because the patient is unable to make the
decision.
In addition, passive euthanasia is when life-sustaining treatments are withheld. The
definitions are not precise. If a doctor prescribes increasing doses of strong painkilling
medications, such as opioids, this may eventually be toxic for the patient. Some may argue that
this is passive euthanasia. Others, however, would say this is not euthanasia, because there is no
intention to take life. On the contrary, active euthanasia is when someone uses lethal substances
or forces to end a patient's life, whether by the patient or somebody else. It is more controversial,
and more likely to involve religious, moral, ethical, and compassionate arguments.
An issue that is often overlooked in the debate over legalization of euthanasia and
assisted suicide (EAS) is the many ways that EAS could affect other family members.
Family members may not all agree that it is the best course of action for a loved one to
choose EAS, causing conflict and a possible family split.
There may be pressure from family to choose EAS for economic and inheritance reasons.
Family members and caregivers may be unable to cope with what they see as the
suffering of the loved one.
While thinking EAS the right thing to do at the time, some may regret their decision later
leading to unresolved grieving.
EAS may send signals to other family members that choosing death is an acceptable
action, and lead to suicides.
General Christian view on Euthanasia
Christians are mostly against euthanasia. The arguments are usually based on the beliefs
that life is given by God, and that human beings are made in God's image. Some churches also
emphasize the importance of not interfering with the natural process of death.
Life is a gift from God
all life is God-given
birth and death are part of the life processes which God has created, so we should respect
them
therefore, no human being has the authority to take the life of any innocent person, even
if that person wants to die
Human beings are valuable because they are made in God's image
human life possesses an intrinsic dignity and value because it is created by God in his
own image for the distinctive destiny of sharing in God's own life
to propose euthanasia for an individual is to judge that the current life of that individual is
not worthwhile
such a judgement is incompatible with recognizing the worth and dignity of the person to
be killed
therefore, arguments based on the quality of life are completely irrelevant
nor should anyone ask for euthanasia for themselves because no-one has the right to
value anyone, even themselves, as worthless
References:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/euthanasia_1.shtml
www.life.org.nz/euthanasia/euthanasiakeyissues/impact-on-family/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182951.php
