Euthanasia

Euthanasia

Philosophy of Ethics

March 4, 2009

Euthanasia

Euthanasia is a popular and complex topic for many countries of the world. There has been much debate and controversy over the issues of whether euthanasia should be condoned or formally permitted.  The primary reason for the controversy and debate is that the effects of euthanasia impact life.  Proponents of euthanasia argue that no one has the absolute right to limit another’s decision to maintain his or her own life.  Opponents, by contrast, insist that euthanasia is morally wrong, and that a government can neither condone nor permit its citizens to take their own lives.  Nevertheless, people continue debating euthanasia’s implications.

This essay will debate the two kinds of common medical situations, and attempt to arrive at a conclusion as to whether euthanasia should be permitted in those circumstances.  Firstly, this paper considers whether patients in persistent vegetative state (PVS) should be permitted to choose euthanasia.  Secondly, given that many people suffer from incurable, terminal illnesses such as cancer or other serious chronic diseases, this paper considers whether these patients should be permitted to choose euthanasia as a means to seek relief from their pain.  Finally, this essay will illustrate the attitudes of nurses and physicians with respect to euthanasia, since euthanasia is a common topic for discussion among medical professionals.

Many consider euthanasia a ….