Euthanasia: Essential Recommendations

Name Tutor Course Date Euthanasia Introduction In the last ten decades, medicine has advanced rapidly as humanity has learned the various means of treating numerous illnesses which have killed thousands of people throughout centuries. However, there are still several illnesses that cannot be cured presently and have caused significant suffering to people afflicted by them (Strinic 1-12). The current solution for such an issue is euthanasia. This process involves the termination of the life of a person that is extremely ill to relive them for the suffering that the disease is causing. Euthanasia can only be performed on a person with an incurable condition. However, there are numerous instances when euthanasia can be carried out. The paper will provide a background of euthanasia and also illustrate the various perspectives that support euthanasia and alternative arguments against this practice. The paper will clearly outline essential recommendations that can be utilized by healthcare professionals that will ensure that euthanasia can be carried out effectively. Background Euthanasia has been associated with mercy killing and assisted suicide. The World Health Organization stated in 2004 that euthanasia is the intentional practice which is cried out by a person to prevent the death of another individual that suffers from a terminal disease by painlessly putting them to death. Assisted suicide involves the deliberate act whereby a person kills themselves with the aid of another individual that has the knowledge and expertise in this act (Huxtable 1088-1089). Advances in technology especially in healthcare mean that people can now live longer lives. Modern medicine has extended the lifespan of people, and as a result, it has become highly likely than in the past for people not to die of chronic degenerative illnesses (Strinic 1-12). People have argued that that several individuals suffer significantly and would primarily benefit from euthanasia if it were legalized. The response provided by some is that the number of people that would feel threatened by the law by allowing euthanasia is much higher especially the elderly and those with disabilities (Casini et al. 349-368). Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide involve numerous legal, ethical, medical and socio-cultural issues. Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, however, should be based on the decision made by the terminally ill patient. This entire process is a humane way for the terminally ill individuals to end their lives with dignity and also without shame and suffering (Huxtable 1088-1089). Prolonging the life of the patient through technology only increases the agony and pain of the patient. Strinic (1-12) stated that palliative treatment has led to the invention of new methods of caring for terminally ill individuals as it emphasizes on utilizing of moral components that include empathy, hope and also valuing the quality of life of the afflicted patient. Euthanasia has been banned in numerous countries globally since both practices of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia are illegal (Strinic 1-12). The most critical reason for the unlawful status of this practice is that the act itself is murder and the legalization of this process will only lead to more and...