ARGUMENTS EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve them

of pain and suffering. It is a controversial topic with variety of opinions. While
some argue that euthanasia is a humane and compassionate way to end the
suffering of terminally ill patients, I stand against this practice for several
reasons.
Firstly, euthanasia violates the fundamental right to life. Every human being has
a right to life that must be respected, protected, and preserved at all costs,
therefore no one can decide on the others life’s. This right is enshrined in
international law and recognized by most societies around the world.
Euthanasia undermines this fundamental principle by suggesting that some
lives are no longer worth living and can be ended prematurely. (Carter, 2020).
This dangerous and unethical idea can lead to a slippery slope, where the value
of life is diminished, and vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or disabled,
may be seen as expendable.
Secondly, euthanasia can be abused by those with a vested interest in the
death of the patient. In cases where patients are unable to make their own
decisions, family members, medical professionals, or insurance companies may
advocate for euthanasia to save money, alleviate emotional burdens, or gain
inheritance. This conflict of interest can lead to decisions that are not in the best
interest of the patient. It is difficult to regulate and monitor the decision-making
process for euthanasia, which could lead to cases of coercion or abuse. In
countries where euthanasia is legal, such as the Netherlands and Belgium,
there have been documented cases of non-voluntary euthanasia and pressure
on patients to choose death over life (Schadenberg, 2018).
Finally, there is always a possibility of error or misdiagnosis when it comes to
predicting the future of the patient's illness. Doctors can make mistakes, and the
patient's condition may improve, leading to a situation where euthanasia was
not necessary. Conversely, some patients may be misdiagnosed as terminal,
leading to premature euthanasia.
In conclusion, euthanasia is a dangerous practice that violates the right to life,
can be abused, has a negative impact on society's attitude towards death and
dying, is contrary to the principles of medical ethics, and is subject to error or
misdiagnosis. Therefore, once the euthanasia has been diagnosticated, this is
irreversible, being a definitive decision, which if it were wrong, would have no
solution. (Boudreau & Somerville, 2014). While some may argue that
euthanasia is a compassionate and humane solution to end-of-life care, it
violates the principle of non-maleficence, can lead to a slippery slope of
increasingly liberal laws, and undermines the role of medicine in society.
Instead of legalizing euthanasia, we should focus on improving end-of-life care,
providing emotional and psychological support to patients and their families,
and ensuring that patients receive the dignity and respect they deserve. As a
society, we must work towards improving palliative care, providing support and
comfort to those with terminal illnesses, and promoting the value of every
human life, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
References:
Md, L. E. L., PhD, & Emanuel. (1998). Regulating How We Die: The Ethical,

Medical,and Legal Issues Surrounding Physician-Assisted Suicide (1.).

Harvard University Press. 381-383.

Keown, R. K. P. J. (2018). Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy: An Argument

Against Legalisation (2nd Revised ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Schadenberg, A. (2018). Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide in the Netherlands

and Belgium: A Legal, Ethical, and Practical Review. Euthanasia Prevention
Coalition.
Boudreau, J., & Somerville, M. (2014). Euthanasia and assisted suicide: a

physician’s and ethicist’s perspectives. Medicolegal and

bioethics, 1. https://doi.org/10.2147/mb.s59303