Euthanasia
There can be little doubt that most humans cherish life to the extent that they would choose immortality in a heartbeat, if that option was ever made available. However, while this observation may undoubtedly be true, there is an unstated qualification. And, that is, that humans will choose life only as long as it is imbued with dignity and vitality. In fact, the importance of this qualification is reflected in arguments favoring euthanasia. For, the case for euthanasia is usually built on the premise that life or the process of dying can prove to be a long and painful process, which slowly robs a person of his or her vitality and dignity. An agreement on the fact that human pain and suffering should be alleviated, and that human dignity is important, does not, however, automatically make euthanasia morally permissible or socially desirable. This is because there are several other considerations that need to be taken into account such as: (1) modern science has yet to fully understand the great mystery of life and death; (2) permitting euthanasia is likely to undermine the societal value of upholding the sanctity of life; and (3) euthanasia invites the risk of both individuals and the health care system abusing the option for highly suspect motives. In fact, when these aspects are fully analyzed, it appears that the practice of euthanasia would be wrong because it is likely to lead to grave injustices at both the individual and social level.
But first, perhaps it is important to consider the rights of individuals who are prevented from leading active, purposeful lives by terminal or debilitating illnesses. This question is, in fact, of prime importance because it is the basic premise of any argument in favor of euthanasia. In fact, one can't but help sympathize with the plight of formerly healthy, active people who are told that they are either facing an imminent death or that the disease they have is slowly but surely going to prevent them from leading a productive life. Take, for instance, the case of Edward Wellwood...
Euthanasia Science and technology has allowed humans to treat a myriad of diseases that were previously terminal. This is no longer a question of whether prolonging life is possible. Instead, physicians and scientists must grapple with a more difficult dilemma - whether life should be artificially prolonged in the first place. Despite the passing of the Physician Assisted Law (PAS) in Oregon and the legality of assisted suicide in the Netherlands, people
EUTHANASIA The word Euthanasia has been the cause of much debate about its legality and whether such a practice is even ethical or not. The anti-argument for this cause has mostly been raised from more controversial background, while the pro argument has come up from the liberal camp. The reason for such ferocity in the debate has been the resultant of the lack of understanding of the real meaning of
Euthanasia The word euthanasia originates from the Greek, its root words meaning "good" and "death." This understanding lies at the heart of the concept, which in the modern sense is defined as a person choosing to end their own life. This is not normally taken in the same context as suicide, but rather as a physician-assisted death, so that the person chooses how and when they will die, and that they
The tragedy is that, often those who wish most for the blessing of children are deprived of this privilege for whatever reason. An even greater charity is that, when the long-awaited life finally does arrive, it is damaged so badly that medical science can do very little but alleviate its suffering to some extent. The question is whether such a child should be kept alive, and whether the quality
" (Romans 12:1). Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide is when one person aids another person in ending their life, because the person ending their life chooses to do so. This act is alternatively termed voluntary euthanasia, though the semantic difference between the two terms lays in the intent of self-destruction (suicide) versus death with moral forethought and dignity (Downie 2004). It is a fine line, fraught with great moral dilemma. Christian teachings are the
The death penalty is therefore morally and ethically necessary not only for an ordered society but as a necessary means to protect the innocent from evil. Secondly, from a Catholic point-of-view this stance is supported by centuries of Church doctrine and by references to Biblical test, as discussed above. This also refers to the view that many modern Catholics take; which in turn refers to the contemporary emphasis on the
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