NECESSITY
Ladies and gentlemen, today I would like to address the topic of euthanasia,
specifically why it is not necessary. Euthanasia, which involves intentionally ending a
person's life to relieve suffering, is a complex and contentious issue. I believe that it is
crucial to consider the ethical, legal, and practical aspects of euthanasia in order to
better understand why it may not be the best course of action.
Sanctity of Life:
Euthanasia goes against the principle of the sanctity of life, which is a fundamental
ethical concept. All human life is inherently valuable and should be preserved and
protected. Euthanasia, by its very nature, contradicts this principle, allowing for the
intentional taking of life under certain circumstances.
According to philosopher Immanuel Kant, “rational human beings should be
treated as an end in themselves and not as a means to something else because of
the fact that we are human has value in itself.”
It applies to us too. We shouldn't treat ourselves as a means to our own ends.
And this means that we shouldn't end our lives just because it seems the most
effective way of putting an end to our suffering. To do that is not to respect our
inherent worth.
Danger: Slippery Slope.
“Voluntary” euthanasia puts us at the top of a slippery slope that leads to
involuntary euthanasia of people who are considered undesirable.
This scenario may seem extreme, but we should remember that ideas that were
initially thought impossible and unthinkable can quickly become acceptable.
Take the example of Belgium: 10 years after the legalization of euthanasia, the law
(which was said to have strong safeguards) was amended to allow euthanasia for
children with incurable diseases, regardless of their age .
According to Lord Walton, Chairman of the House of Lords Select Committee on
Medical Ethics looking into euthanasia in 1993 at United Kingdom that they
concluded that it was virtually impossible to ensure that all acts of euthanasia
were truly voluntary and that any liberalization of the law could not be abused.
They are also concern that vulnerable people - the elderly, lonely, sick or
distressed - would feel pressure, whether real or imagined, to request early death.
Palliative Care:
Palliative care, when properly administered, offers an effective and ethical
alternative to euthanasia. It focuses on relieving suffering and providing the best
possible end-of-life care. The advancements in palliative care have made it possible
to manage pain and discomfort for the majority of patients, thus reducing the
perceived need for euthanasia.
Competent palliative care may well be enough to prevent a person feeling any need
to contemplate euthanasia.
The key to successful palliative care is to treat the patient as a person, not as a set
of symptoms, or medical problems.
According to The World Health Organization, palliative care affirms life and regards
dying as a normal process; it neither hastens nor postpones death; it provides
relief from pain and suffering; it integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects
of the patient.
In Canada, 90% of doctors working in palliative care oppose euthanasia.
According to Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement
that, “You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life
and we will do all we can to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”
Medical Ethics:
Euthanasia raises ethical dilemmas for healthcare professionals. It goes against their
fundamental duty to preserve life and to "do no harm." This can create moral
distress among healthcare providers who are asked to participate in or facilitate
euthanasia.
The medical personnel who commit euthanasia suffer personal consequences. The
act of euthanasia is neither easy nor peaceful. It is a difficult thing to do, and
medical personnel is adversely affected.
In Belgium, doctors are entitled to psychotherapy after euthanizing a patient. It is
not uncommon to see Belgian nurses take a day off when they know that
euthanasia is planned.
In the Geneva University Hospital, they reduced their palliative care team after it
decided to allow assisted suicide.
In the Netherlands, there is a confirmed case of a patient euthanized to free up a
hospital bed.
In Brazil, although euthanasia is illegal, a doctor has recently been accused of seven
murders after killing patients in intensive care. An investigation is underway to
elucidate 300 other cases of suspicious deaths, probably caused by the same
doctor.
Since doctors give patients the information on which they will base their decisions
about euthanasia, any legalization of euthanasia, no matter how strictly regulated,
puts doctors in an unacceptable position of power.
In conclusion, euthanasia is a contentious issue with profound ethical, legal, and
practical implications. Rather than rushing to embrace it, we should focus on enhancing
palliative care, improving end-of-life options, and providing support for patients facing
difficult choices. Euthanasia may seem like a solution, but in a world where we value the
sanctity of life, it is not a necessary one. Let us strive to create a society that promotes
compassion, dignity, and alternatives to euthanasia in end-of-life care.
I am Ted Dian Tejado, and I believe I rest my case. THANK YOU.
