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4 Citations 17 References
Legal And Ethical Issues Of Euthanasia: Argumentative Essay
Article (PDF Available) · October 2013 with 31,546 Reads

DOI: 10.5742/MEJN.2013.75330
Bilal S. H. Badr Naga Majd Mrayyan

7.08 · Jordanian Nursing Council 23.72 · Hashemite University
Abstract
Euthanasia is one of the issues that has been the subject of intense debate over time. It has been a pertinent issue in human rights discourse
as it also affects ethical and legal issues pertaining to patients and health care providers. This paper discusses the legal and ethical debates
concerning both types of euthanasia.
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
LEGAL AND EThICAL IssUEs Of EUThANAsIA: ARGUmENTATIvE EssAy
Bilal S. H. Badr Naga Case scenario

Majd T. Mrayyan A 56 year old female patient,
divorced 5 years ago, a mother of
one daughter, lives with her 20 ye
(1) Bilal S. H. Badr Naga., MSN, RN, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center in Qassim, old daughter. She was working as
Saudi Arabia a maths teacher, was well and ve
(2) Majd T. Mrayyan., Prof, RN, The Hashemite University, Jordan active until six months ago; she
started to complain of generalized
pain and weight loss, severe
Correspondence: headache, multiple seizure episod
Bilal S. H. Badr Naga., MSN, RN, She was diagnosed as having a
Prince Sultan Cardiac Center in Qassim, metastasis brain tumor stage IV. S
Saudi Arabia received two cycles of chemother
Email: Bilal_badrnaga@yahoo.com and refused radiotherapy. She
developed hypoxic damage to her
brain cells which left her paralyze
Abstract and blind.She has been lying in h
bed, depressed, with no contact w
the outside world. She is religious
Euthanasia is one of the issues those who desperately want and sincerely fed by her daughter
that has been the subject of to end their lives because they She is suffering from intolerable
intense debate over time. It simply cannot go on in any pain. She asks her doctor to die in
has been a pertinent issue in way, are the ones who suffer. peace and signed an agreement
human rights discourse as it Every individual or group has consent form with the witness of h
also affects ethical and legal a different viewpoint regarding daughter. Her doctor gave her a h
issues pertaining to patients euthanasia. Euthanasia dose of morphine and terminated
and health care providers. This is considered a practical, life immediately.
paper discusses the legal and emotional, and religious
ethical debates concerning debate.
both types of euthanasia. It This case was used to discuss
focuses on both the supporter Key words: euthanasia, the different opinions and answer
of euthanasia and the opponent palliative care, type of the following questions in order
of euthanasia. Several euthanasia. to understand the concept of
statements for the Euthanasia euthanasia. Is euthanasia a legal
argument arediscussed: behavior? Does the patient have
a merciful response that right to request death peacefully?
alleviates the suffering of Despite the patient’s agreement
patients which is sometimes and consent, is participating in the
wrongly perceived to be killing of a patient considered ethi
otherwise unrelievable; the behavior and professional? Is the
autonomy in which the patient long term impact and a sense of g
has the right to make his own by family and health care provide
choices; the regulation and Finally, why are some supporting
legislation of existing practices peaceful death and why some are
of euthanasia to protect health against it, with opinion support?
care providers and patients. In
this heated debate religious, Introduction
political, ethical, legal and Euthanasia is a concept used in
personal views are also the medical eld which means ea
included. Among all these, death or gentle death, and is den
as the deliberate speeding up of
the death of an individual based

See all › See all › on terminal medical conditions
4 Citations 17 References (Jonsen, Siegler, and Winsdale,
2002). Euthanasia reects one of
current debatable issues and rais
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many questions that need to be of the inevitability of death and no This argument essay is attempted
answered. hope (Zahedi, Ali Larijani, & Draper, to decrease and limit the argumen
2007). among health care professionals
regarding euthanasia in order
Health care professionals, including
to enhance clear decisions,
oncology nurses, frequently Therefore withholding or withdrawing
communication and accountability
encounter ethical issues when treatment of any patient is never
This paper is organized to discuss
caring for end of life patients and easy and cannot be generalized
and show viewpoints from both
have to make a decision and choose without taking into consideration
sides of the arguments and is
between difcult or unacceptable the cultural, social, and religious
concluded with the writer’s opinio
options and are frequently obligated factors when making decisions. The
A case scenario was selected and
to use their own moral reasoning to incidence of death as a result of
discussed for better understandin
solve these ethical issues (Elis & euthanasia has been found to differ
of this issue of euthanasia.
Hartley, 2007). between countries (Onwuteaka-
Philipsen, Fisher, Cartwright,
Deliens, Miccinesi, Norup, et al. Denition and Background of
In today’s world, in spite of
2006; Ganz, Benbenishty, Hersch, Euthanasia
technological and scientic progress,
Fischer, Gurman, &Sprung, 2006).
especially in the eld of laws and The denitions of euthanasia are
regulations related to human not enough to nd a clear society
health there is still ambiguity and In the Netherlands as an example of consensus. In order to increase
controversy over the concept of a western country it is seen that nine public support we need to keep cl
peaceful death (euthanasia). Thus, percent of all deaths in 1990 were denitions so we know what we’re
this ethical dilemma may impose a result of euthanasia (Remmelink, talking about. Euthanasia is taken
health care providers to legal and et al. 1991). Unfortunately, there is from the Greek ward euthanos,
ethical risk. a lack of statistics on the incidence which means “good death.” Death
of direct terminating of life by with dignity and without suffering,
physicians in the Kingdom of Jordan but the question is, how do we go
The ethical and legal aspects of the about achieving this?
and no clear policy about euthanasia
concept of euthanasia are still widely
for patients at the end of life stage
debated in many countries of the
whether that is secondary to cancer,
world. There are several opinions Euthanasia is the active killing
or to any other end stage illness.
based on the principles of personal of a patient by a physician, on
morality and religious beliefs. the patient’s request and in the
Thus, scientists and researchers The advancement in medical patient’s interest (Tom and Arnold
are still looking to reach a general technology is bringing deaths 1979). There are two types of
consensus on this ethical dilemma. into hospitals where life, may be euthanasia - passive and active.
prolonged for a long time. For Passive euthanasia is dened
example, in Britain at any one as allowing a patient to die by
In Islamic countries there are
time there are about two thousand withholding treatment, whereas
discussions and debates about
people who have spent more than active euthanasia is dened as
withholding or withdrawing the six months in a persistent vegetative taking measures to directly cause
life support therapies or allowing
state from which they will never a patient’s death. Another division
a patient at the end of the life to
recover. Many dread the endless of euthanasia is that it is voluntary
choose peaceful death. Based on indignity of such a fate. Worldwide involuntary, and non voluntary.
Islamic law, health care providers
there is a need to address the issue Voluntary euthanasia is when a
are not protected and have no
of euthanasia in order to manage patient gives his agreement wher
immunity in case of deciding to help and support clients and staff who non voluntary is when the agreem
patients to die. Thus, according to
are in a situation where a request is unavailable because of a patien
the Islamic point of view; it is not
of death is in place. In Jordan, yet, coma (Singer, 2011). Involuntary
recognized for a patient to have the there are no studies that discuss euthanasia occurs when euthana
right to die voluntarily because life
euthanasia, or end-of-life decisions is performed on a person who is
is a divine trust and an opportunity
in any clinical setting. able to provide informed consent,
to rene the spirit. Then, no one has does not, either because they do
the right to quit human life through
choose to die, or because they we
any form of interference with active This paper aims to discuss
not asked. Nurses may encounter
assistance. euthanasia among different western many questions from patients and
countries and Islamic countries and
countries and Islamic countries and their families when counselling
See all › SomeSeeMuslim
all › Clerics scholars focus on the legal, religious, and them about hastening the death o
social perspectives regarding this patient (Gorman, 1999; Lewis, 20
4 Citationsemphasized
17 References
that life-saving
controversial issue.
equipment cannot be stopped There are some statistics regardi
unless physicians are condent medical practitioners who suppor
oppose euthanasia (Appendix A).
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Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) is Court for brain death patients, but Turkey, as an Islamic country forb
dened as: ‘The situation where a any actions whatsoever to end the euthanasia strictly and considers
doctor intentionally helps a person life of a patient (active euthanasia) such actions as a crime by the
to commit suicide by providing is illegal (Magnier, 2011). The same Criminal Law of Turkey (Karadeni
drugs for self-administration, at that case applies to Ireland. Active Yanikkerem, Pirincci, Erdem, Ese
person’s voluntary and competent euthanasia is considered illegal and Kitapcioglu, 2008). In Jordan
request’ (Best, 2010). According while passive euthanasia is legal. euthanasia is illegal even if inform
to Best, in PAS the doctor is not The Israeli and Jewish laws consider consent is taken from the patient
doing the action but morally he is euthanasia as illegal, but in some or his family, thus it is considered
involved as the motive intention cases it can be accepted under the crime against human life and the
and the outcome are the same. Israeli law (Butcher, 2005; Brody, who commits euthanasia whether
Thus, euthanasia and PAS are used 2009). actively or passively will be punish
interchangeably in this paper. by the law as being an intentional
act.
Active euthanasia is illegal in
Euthanasia Worldwide most of the United States. While
Euthanasia is a controversial issue voluntary, passive euthanasia is Discussion
in Australia. Although there are considered legal; the patients have Regarding Patient Suffering
different laws in Australia related the right to reject medical treatment.
to euthanasia, the legislations in Italy witnesses a social and legal Many patients experience pain
crisis about a woman who had a and suffering when they are dying
most States consider it as illegal.
car accident and she has been that is true, and during my clinical
At rst, it was legal by Rights of the
Terminally Ill Act 1995, and then it unconscious since 1992. experience I have seen many
dying patients who at their end
was overridden by the Australian
stage illness were in pain, and the
government. But an Australian Dr.
Philip Nitschke helped three patients The Prime Minister Perleskony may be treated without dignity, or
refused to endorse euthanasia for experiencing spiritual disorders.
to achieve euthanasia (Alexander,
this woman claiming that nobody
2010). In 2002 in Belgium the
Belgian parliament passed has the right to end the life of
But, we think this is an individual
any human being. The Supreme
legislation for euthanasia (Adams & experience.This is supposed not
Court in Italy decided to end this
Nys, 2003). to happen, but it is still happening
woman’s life by euthanasia and
and people are using this factor to
they stopped giving her food or
convince people for the legalizatio
Smets and his colleagues (2010) drink. And so the decision taken by
of euthanasia. We must do better
conducted a survey and found the Italian government breaks the
and look for better solutions. Ther
that most deaths by euthanasia sentence taken by the Supreme
is another option, which explains
compared with other deaths were Court according to the Italian law.
why euthanasia is increasingly
more often younger, male, cancer It is obviously noticed that in the
unnecessary.
patients and more often died in countries which allow euthanasia,
their homes. In almost all cases, such as Holland, there has been
In the Greek Orthodox Church
unbearable physical suffering from poor palliative and hospice care
euthanasia is not accepted in eve
uncontrolled pain, poor wound whereas in the countries where
type, and there is no legal legislat
healing, and poor social interactions euthanasia is forbidden, they have
or any action that helps patients t
were reported. developed hospice care for the
be allowed euthanasia (Voultsos,
patients who are suffering badly.
Njau, and Vlachou, 2010). Keown
Canadian laws on living wills and (2005) reported Buddhists’ point o
passive euthanasia are a legal The issue of euthanasia has been view and found that there are man
dilemma. It is illegal to ‘aid and raised in recent years in Islamic different opinions about euthanas
abet suicide’ under Section 241(b) countries due to the debate over and they justify it as to end the
of the Criminal Code of Canada, specic cases in which specic sufferings of a patient. However,
which states that this is an indictable patients or their families have asked there is no justication whatsoeve
offence with a potential fourteen- health care professionals, judges end the life of a human being und
year sentence if the appellant is and religious people for a patient’s any circumstances.
found guilty (Ministry of Attorney right to die with dignity in a number
General, 2010). Also the British of different ways (Bernard, 2000).
Moreover, in the teachings of the
law has the same attitude toward In reality the issue did not enter
C th li R Ch h th
euthanasia by considering it as into open public debate as it has in Catholic Roman Church euthanas
See all › illegal
Seeby
allall
› means. the USA and European countries. is a crime against life and God. O
the other hand, Evangelical churc
Despite this, the concept of
and the Roman Catholics have th
euthanasia has mainly concentrated
In Indian laws, passive euthanasia same attitudes towards euthanas
on physicians due to the nature of
is legal supported by the Supreme which says that life is sacred.
their roles.
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According to the Hindu views, so he took a knife, cut his wrist Perspectives of those who
there are two points of view. One and bled to death. Upon this God Oppose Euthanasia
considers euthanasia as a good said: My subject hastened his end, There are people who are agains
action; the other considers it as I deny him paradise.” (Translation euthanasia because they conside
disturbing the cycle of death and of Sahih Muslim, Book 35). Yusuf it a murder. Those who rejected
rebirth. Also, why are churches that al-Qaradawi, the chairman of the euthanasia fear it may become
established the rst hospices in the International Union for Muslim a means of health care cost
19thcentury and medical and nursing Scholars (IUMS) mentioned that we containment, and become non-
students now receiving training in can say that the Islamic perspective voluntary and against the rights
pain control, because they believe is that life belongs to Allah. It is He and value of human life. Those
that different types of pain respond who gives and takes away life. No people defend their opinions throu
to different treatments and this will human can give or take it. Muslims emphasizing the respect of huma
help in caring of the dying. are against euthanasia. They believe dignity through searching for
that all human life is sacred because solutions for cost containment, no
it is given by Allah, and that Allah through killing patients because o
In general, suffering is not only chooses how long each person will
a medical problem but also an their suffering, and should identify
live (Fatwah Bank. 1996). the reasons that make a patient’s
existential problem that extends
beyond physical pain. It is request for euthanasia and nd
inuenced by many factors such as Moreover, the religious community solutions to enhance their quality
psychological, cultural and spiritual in Islamic countries has discussed life (Voultsos, Njau, and Vlachou,
factors and we can deal with some sensitive medical issues such 2010). This means that it is not th
physical symptoms but the suffering as denition of death, withholding choice of the physician to decide
may remain. and withdrawing life sustaining about killing patients even if they
measures, and its legality as early have signed an agreement and th
as 1983. The Permanent Committee is not a violation of their human
Islam forbids all forms of self- rights.
killing whatever the reason is for for Research and Fatwa issued
life and death is in the hands of a statement (Riyadh No. 6619;
1983) that advanced life support Euthanasia is a social, legal, and
Allah and nobody has the right to ethical dilemma although many fe
end this life bestowed by Allah and measures can be stopped if the
medical team afrms that brain euthanasia is an unethical practic
it is considered as a suicide. This one of the biggest arguments aga
means that Islam is totally against function has irreversibly ceased
(Albar, 2004). The Islamic FIqh this process is belief about the
euthanasia whether active or passive casual nature with which it will be
and considers it a type of killing if it (comprehension) Academy; 3rd
session, 1986, Amman, Jordan, approached in the future.
is committed by a different person
and a suicide if it is committed by Resolution No. 5 concluded that a
the same person and both of them person can be declared dead in one If euthanasia is permitted without
should be punished and sent to of two conditions: (1) complete and necessity to abide by government
hell in the other life. Thus Islam irreversible cardiopulmonary arrest regulations and laws, people will
has a clear cut attitude towards afrmed by physicians. (2) Cessation use it as a means to get out of ev
euthanasia which is strictly forbidden of brain activity and afrmation by simpler troubles.
by all means because Islam and the physicians that this cessation is
prophet (the messenger of Allah) irreversible and that the brain has
said that life belongs to Allah and entered the state of decomposition Moreover, there may be ways in
He is the only One who has the (OIC, 2003; Albar, 2004). which pressure may be put on
right to give or take it away without individuals to die or end their lives
any exceptions. Accordingly, all the because they may seem as ‘burde
Physician and Protection of Life to the family. They may also use i
Fatwa Councils in all the Arab and
Islamic countries do not pass any One aspect of the euthanasia debate a method of avoiding heavy medi
law (Fatwa) considering it as legal that is often ignored is that it expects expenditures that may be needed
under any circumstances. doctors to perform euthanasia. One in cases that are complicated.
of the main roles of physicians is to Religious views suggest that only
gain a patient’s trust and therapeutic God has the right to take life, and
In addition, the Islamic Code of relationship, and how does one is something human beings shoul
Medical Ethics, 1986 mentions that maintain this goal if the patient’s not meddle with. Furthermore,
the concept of a life not worthy perception will change toward the they believe that life is a precious
of living does not exist in Islam. physician who participates in killing gift that has been bestowed upon
See all › Justication
See all › of taking life to escape patients (murder) instead of being a us by the Almighty, and giving it
4 Citationssuffering is not acceptable in Islam.
17 References protector of life! Euthanasia violates up due to some pain is no way to
Prophet Mohammad taught: “There codes of medical ethics which value it. Political views suggest th
was a man in older times that had prohibits doctors from helping their euthanasia will have an effect on
an iniction that taxed his patience, patients die. society, no matter how personal a

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decision it is. As a society that patients under many circumstances; economic status tend to request
survives on following the footsteps and that condoning voluntary euthanasia. Euthanasia allows
of others, deciding to request death euthanasia is a slippery slope patients to terminate their perpetu
will cause other individuals (in less towards allowing involuntary assisted state of suffering and die with
deplorable situations) to follow these killing (Rietjens et al. 2009). dignity, respect, comfort, peace,
methods too. and free of pain, when the patient
cannot perform physical, emotion
The perspective of university
and social tasks.
These are simply some thoughts on students about euthanasia was
the ongoing debate that is a cause studied in Pakistan. Students who
for concern all over the world. From opposed legalization (74.4%) cited Advocates and supporters for
the humanitarian point of view, the impediments to future medical euthanasia ask about why such
right to die with dignity, respect, research as the most common a person should continue to live
comfort, and peace belongs to reason, followed by the risk of in suffering. There will be guilt,
every individual, and this cannot misuse by physicians or family anger, frustration, and sadness
be ignored no matter how many members. Only 8.9% of students associated with the decision of
arguments are put forth against this cited religious beliefs as a reason choosing euthanasia. In this way,
practice. against legalization of euthanasia. is considered improper to demand
(Shaikhand & Kamal, 2011) death, when feeling weak. Also, it
believed that the person in questi
Though several facts may be
has an obligation towards society
presented to you to persuade or Perspectives of those who where she/he simply cannot choo
dissuade you about this practice, Support Euthanasia to die because the life and death
it is ultimately your belief that will
This is one of the broad arguments given from God only.
allow you to think whether or not
for euthanasia. Supporters of
such a practice should be legalized.
euthanasia should know there is a
It is a good idea to remember that In Greece euthanasia is applicabl
social, ethical and legal impact on
death and dying is inevitable and under legal documentation withou
society, patients, and their families.
an ultimate eventuality. In effect, giving attention to ethical, or socia
Socrates, an ancient philosopher of
the legalization of euthanasia under aspects of euthanasia (Voultsos,
Greece chose to kill himself instead
the strict governing of laws and Njau, and Vlachou, 2010). Also, in
of being exiled. The debate concerns
regulations will allow those who wish Flemish hospitals all health policie
one question: is euthanasia
to avail of this right, to do so with contain euthanasia procedures; th
ethical? The case rests on one
dignity. It is a process that will take involve caregivers, patients, and
main fundamental moral principle:
a while, while the pros and cons of relatives. Euthanasia policies go
mercy. There are many even within
euthanasia are considered, and till beyond summarizing the euthana
the medical eld who believe that
all human beings are convinced that law by addressing the importance
euthanasia is far more ethical to
it may be a boon from Allah when of the euthanasia care process; to
those who have suffered terribly in
viewed from the perspective of the give the patients and their families
terminal illnesses.
right to life. the rights to die in dignity as well
as when the patients arrive at a
There are a many good reasons critical prognosis which cannot be
Human rights give everyone the to accept euthanasia as the best controlled by medical manageme
right to take the best medical
option; it helps the patient, the (Lemiengre, Casterle , Denier,
management to face different
patient’s family, and the family’s Schotsmans,& Gastmans, 2008).
diseases and their signs and economy. It is a choice and
symptoms that affect all quality of life
alternative for a patient’s decision
domains; therefore, from the British There is a substantial majority of
which should be respected in order
physicians’ point of view, the majority to alleviate suffering. There are nurses supporting the practice
of them do not support legalizing of euthanasia for patients with
many countries where euthanasia is
assisted dying, neither in the form of a terminal illness with extreme
allowed in order to give the right for
euthanasia nor physician-assisted everybody to end his life and help uncontrollable pain or other distre
dying. (Seale, 2009) and for their own involvement in
in health care cost containment.
consultancy about euthanasia
Patients in chronic prognosis do
not have a choice to live. They can requests. There is, however,
Euthanasia is complex, and there
uncertainty about their proper role
are ethical, legal, social, and moral request euthanasia to stop suffering.
in the performance of euthanasia
t Th f f th i
arguments. The fear of euthanasia Older nurses were more likely tha
See all ›
is that it will become a broad area
See all › Patients in terminal stages of younger nurses to support life-
for cost saving for health care
4 Citations 17 References disease and suffering from ending without the patient’s reque
institutions and toward health
uncontrolled severe pain, poor (Inghelbrecht, Bilsen, Mortier, &
care providers in order to allow
wound healing, poor social Deliens, 2009).
euthanasia to terminate life of
interaction, and poor emotional and
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Some of the arguments favoring to pain relief and palliative care There is no doubt that the nancia
the practice found in other studies before considering laws to allow cost of maintaining critical illness
included the need to relieve severe euthanasia. Most patients who factor. However the question is w
and incurable pain in the context of request euthanasia change their the human becomes ill and cost
terminal illness or extremely poor minds once satisfactory pain control becomes a nancial burden on th
quality of life, allowing patients to is established. society, should allow death natura
exercise freedom of choice and and the cost is the responsibility o
freeing up medical resources to help the society and they should chang
The third reason is the religious
others (Roubaix, 2008). their priorities and divert funds fro
sense toward caring of patients
administrative and recreational ar
in order to prevent euthanasia by
to compensate the nancial burde
Pakistani student perspective providing dignity, respect, and
toward euthanasia was to relieve freedom from suffering in the
The suffering which one undergoe
patient’s suffering but only when a end of the patients’ life. Catholic
as a result of illness does not
committee of physicians agreed to nurses also agreed more often
takeover one’s dignity rather in
commit it. Only 25.6% of students than non-religious nurses to
fact benets him spirituality by
agreed that euthanasia should be prevent euthanasia requests by
removing his/her sins as describe
legalized in Pakistan to put an end comprehensive palliative care and to
by Prophet Mohammad.”Any Mus
to the sufferings of the patients. overcome signs and symptoms that
is affected with harm because of
(Shaikhand & Kamal, 2011) make patients request euthanasia
sickness or some inconvenience,
(Inghelbrecht, Bilsen, Mortier, &
Allah will remove his sins for him
Deliens, 2009). On the other hand,
Perspectives of the Researcher a tree sheds its leaves” (Sahih Al-
palliative care is not only limited to
bukhari: Kitab Ultibb, 153). Thus,
Death is considered the inevitable patients but also to their families.
responsibility is to seek treatment
end of a human’s life; it is the Family members are an important
rather than mercy killing or suicide
Creator who gives and takes away part of a patients care, to give
Prophet Mohammad emphasized
the human’s life. We believe that patients more rapport, support, and
this when he said “O Muslims, se
euthanasia is not legal, ethical, and security.
cure, since Allah has not created
religious in all forms or names. It is
any illness without creating a cure
strange in the twenty-rst century
It is common for family members (Ibne Majah, Abu Daw’od) thus, if
to nd supporters for euthanasia
to become overwhelmed by the do not know the cure, it is now ou
not exploiting the scientic, medical
additional responsibilities placed responsibility to search for the cu
and technological advances in
upon them when they nd one of not instead to start killing patients
nding new medical methods to
their members suffers from chronic end their sufferings.
prevent or relieve the disease or
its symptoms. The second reason disease such as cancer. Palliative
we understand that euthanasia is care can help patients, families, and
Statement of Argumentation
opposed to palliative care, supposed friends to cope with this disease and
give them the support they need. It The rst statement for euthanasia
to be encouraged not neglected. In
gives holistic care that consists of argument is a merciful response
Jordan, for example, palliative care
physical, spiritual, emotional, and that alleviates the suffering of
is started at King Hussein Cancer
coping care. patients which ia sometimes
Center (KHCC) and does not appear
wrongly perceived to be otherwise
in other health care institutions.
unbearable. The second statemen
Moreover, Catholic hospitals have We consider euthanasia as an act of for euthanasia debate is the
rigidity in using the concept of murder. Our Quran emphasizes this autonomy in which the patient has
euthanasia and give support and “He who created death and life that the right to make his own choices
availability of palliative care and a he might try you as to which of you The third statement for euthanasi
multidisciplinary team to introduce is better dead, he is the mightiest, argument is legal, social, ethical,
the best health management to the most forgiving” (Qur’an- 67:2). and religious aspects of euthanas
terminally ill patients to improve Also taking one’s life in Islam is only The last statement is the regulatio
quality of life for patients and their required for the sake of abolishing and legislation of existing practice
families (Lemiengre, Casterle, crime, ensuring peace, tranquility of euthanasia to protect health ca
Denie, Schotsmans, & Gastmans, and security in the human society. providers and patients.
2008). Also, the major fear held by Also, Islam does not believe in
the dying is not physical pain, but is prolonging life as everyone has been Recommendations
also the fear of being abandoned by created for a life span. Scientists
f il i t b th R li i i t i di it
family, society, or both. are to assist but not replace Allah in Relieving pain, restoring dignity,
See all › See all › the creation of death “ Allah gives improving quality of life and giving
people back control over their live
4 CitationsThe 17 References
World Health
Organisation life and death and Allah sees well all
far better than fatal injections. Mo
(WHO) recommends that that you do” (Qur’an 3:156).
people are visibly relieved when t
governments devote more attention are told euthanasia is not an optio
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When symptoms are properly Summary and Conclusion Bagcivan, G., Tosun, N., Komurcu
controlled, fears dealt with, S., Akbayrak, N., & Ozet, A. (2009
Euthanasia has been a hot topic of
appropriate practical, emotional and Analysis of patient-related barrier
debate for a while now. While some
spiritual help is provided and people in cancer pain management in
believe it is only humane to enable
feel safe, it is very rare for people to Turkish Patients. Journal of Pain a
a human being to end his suffering
ask again for death by euthanasia. Symptom Management, 38(5), 72
by means of assisted suicide, others
737. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman
believe that all pain and suffering
Euthanasia is a complex issue endured by human beings is God’s Beuhler, J., Malone, M., Majerus-
from a global perspective. Different will, and should be accepted as Wegerhoff, J. (2006). Patterns of
cultures, traditions, religions and it has been given by God. In this responses to symptoms in rural
laws make the issue too simple for heated debate religious, political, residents: The symptom-action-tim
quick explanation. Therefore the ethical, legal and personal views line process. In H. Lee, Winters, C
recommendation for euthanasia is are also included. Among all these, (Ed.),
stated in four axes that consist of those who desperately want to end Rural Nursing: Concepts, Theory,
legal, governmental, social, and their lives because they simply and Practice (2nd ed., pp. 129-13
education axes. Legally, there must cannot go on in any way are the New York: Springer.
be strict laws preventing euthanasia ones who suffer. Every individual
Brennan, F., Carr, D., Cousins,
and even those helping to do it. or group has a different viewpoint
M. (2007). Pain management: A
There should also be legislation regarding euthanasia.
fundamental human right Anesthe
against this act and punishment of
& Analgesia, 105(1), 205-221.
those who do it or even help to do
Euthanasia is considered a practical, Brody, Shlomo (2009). “Ask the
it. Socially, local governmental and
emotional, and religious debate. Rabbi: ‘Passive euthanasia’”.
non-governmental institutions should
There is also a deep and broad Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 6 Janu
also be against euthanasia and they
history of euthanasia, which cannot 2012.
should do their best to prevent it by
be ignored when having a debate
all means and to establish groups Butcher, Tim (8 December 2005).
regarding this subject. Based on
and charities to help patients and “Israelis to be allowed euthanasia
this history, beliefs, and viewpoints,
their families socially, spiritually and machine”. Daily Telegraph. Retrie
certain arguments for and against
nancially. 6 January 2012.
euthanasia have been put forward.
Bernard , L. (2000). Resolving
Educationally, all academic Ethical Dilemmas, A Guide for
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more attention to establishing a Alexopoulos, E.C., Koutsogiannou, developments in the Netherlands
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Appendix A
Appendix A
Source: Gallup Poll, Angelre, Nightingale Alliance. Date Veried: 7.23.2012

Retrieved from: http://www.statisticbrain.com/euthanasia-statistics/


MIDDLE EAST JOURNAL OF NURSING • JULY 2009
SeeCitations (4)
all › See all › References (17)
... Euthanasia, a deliberate act intended to terminate a person's life at his or her own
explicit request, has been a topic of intense debate in the 21st century, for example, in
several parts of the world including Europe, the Middle East, and Australia (Aghababaei,
Wasserman, & Hatami, 2014; Badr Naga & Mrayyan, 2013; Danyliv & O'Neill, 2015; Mullet
et al., 2014; Sikora & Lewins, 2007; Stronegger, Burkert, Grosscha¨dlGrosscha¨dl, & Freidl,
2013; The National Advisory Board on Social Welfare and Health Care Ethics [ETENE],
2012). In Finland, this debate intensi ed in 2012 when the National Advisory Board on
Social Welfare and Health Care Ethics acknowledged that there may be situations in
which euthanasia would have some ethical justi cation. ...
The Traditional Model Does Not Explain Attitudes Toward Euthanasia: A Web-Based Survey of
the General Public in Finland
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