Euthanasia is a Moral, Ethical, and Proper Social Policy
hen it is carried out with a competent physician in attendance and appropriate family members understand the decision and the desire of the ill person -- or there has been a written request by the infirmed person that a doctor-assisted death is what she or he desired -- euthanasia is a moral, ethical and proper policy. It offers a merciful end to a painful, hopeless and incurable illness or otherwise tragic situation. This paper argues that euthanasia is ethical and moral and moreover, notwithstanding objections from some individuals based on religious beliefs, is a perfectly honest and acceptable end to a life that is unwilling to go through a tortured and painful last few days.

The Literature on Euthanasia -- Public Opinion

Public opinion has varied over the years as to the morality and social acceptability of euthanasia. Some recent polling by established, highly…...

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Works Cited

Abramson, Neil, Stokes, Jason, Weinreb, Neal J., and Scott, Clark. "Euthanasia and Doctor-

Assisted Suicide: Responses by Oncologists and Non-oncologists." Southern Medical

Journal, 91/7 (1998): 1-10.

Behuniak, Susan M. "Death with 'dignity' -- the wedge that divides the disability rights

Euthanasia
Law of Euthanasia in California and New York

Types of Euthanasia

Is Euthanasia Justified in any Case?

Effect of Euthanasia on Special Population

Laws of Euthanasia in California and New York

Euthanasia

The old saying life is not a bed of roses is as true today as it was centuries ago. There are uncountable joys in life which make life worth enjoying, while there are many hardships which make it tough. At times, the difficulties become so severe that people prefer death to life. One of the difficulties in life is in the form of disease. Sometimes diseases become so painful that the patients lose hope for their recovery and plan death. Sometimes, they ask the doctors to help them in getting relief from pain. This practice of ending one's life with the help of physician is known as physician-assisted suicide. It is also known as euthanasia.

This paper casts light upon various aspects of euthanasia or…...

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References

Department of Health. (2011). Chapter 4 -- Decisions at Life's End: Existing Law. Retrieved from  http://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/task_force/reports_publications/when_death_is_sought/chap4.htm 

Euthanasia Procon. (2012). Top 10 Pros and Cons. Retrieved from  http://euthanasia.procon.org/ view.resource.php?resourceID=000126

FindLaw. (2012). California Euthanasia Laws. Retrieved from  http://statelaws.findlaw.com/california-law/california-euthanasia-laws.html

Euthanasia: Why it Should Be Permitted
Known as mercy killing in some quarters, euthanasia has over time become one of the most hotly debated issues. As with other controversial debates, many arguments have been presented both in support and in opposition of euthanasia with those actively involved in the debate basing their viewpoints mainly on ethical, medical as well as religious considerations. However, taking into account the various viewpoints on the same that have been presented over time, it would be prudent to permit euthanasia in certain conditions.

Euthanasia: An Overview

Euthanasia according to Thamson (1999) is "bringing about someone's death because to do so would be in that person's interests." In most cases, it is those with conditions considered incurable who undergo euthanasia. However, in some scenarios, people could ask that their life be ended for a variety of other reasons including but not limited to pain and mental anguish. Generally, a…...

Euthanasia
The power to control the destiny of another person's life is an opiate which no person should have the ability to ingest when the control is over the persons life, or death. While medical technology has been creating new conditions by which individuals can live longer, and medical science has entered a new era regarding treatment of conditions which only a few years ago would haven the lives of those thus afflicted, there is one area over which medical science, and public policy, should not be allowed to reign. The subject of euthanasia contains within it a moral boundary over which we dare not cross.

There are two sides to the debate over euthanasia. Those in favor of the procedure claim that individuals should have a right over the destiny of their own life's course. The person who is suffering should be able to take up the right to end his…...

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Resources

P. Singer, Practical Ethics Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1979.

P. Singer, "Bioethics and Academic Freedom" Bioethics, 4, no. 1, 1990

Wright, W. Historical Analogies, Slippery Slopes and the Question of Euthanasia. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, Vol. 28, 2000

O. Tolmein, cited in B. Schone-Seifert and K-P. Rippe, "Silencing the Singer: Antibioethics in Germany," Hastings Center Report, 21, no. 6 (1991): 20-28.

Euthanasia is a difficult topic for many people, and opinions about it are often very strong. These opinions generally fall into two distinct categories: those who think everyone should have the right to choose, and those who think the practice should be completely illegal. There are several reasons why people have these deep-seated views regarding the issue, and it is important to address those in order to facilitate a better understanding of ideas and opinions on both sides. It is also important to be aware that some of the opinions regarding euthanasia are misguided in that they are formed without having enough knowledge about the issue. When people are not sure of the entirety of the issue, they can end up believing something negative (or positive) about an issue. Their views might be very different if they had all the information they needed to make a truly informed decision.
Those who…...

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References

Harris, N.M. (2001). The euthanasia debate. JR Army Med Corps, 147(3): 367 -- 70.

Rachels, J. (1986). The end of life: Euthanasia and morality. Oxford University Press.

Torr, J.D. (2000). Euthanasia: opposing viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven Press.

There are many other related reasons for arguing against euthanasia and its acceptance or legalization. One is that it contradicts the medical code of ethics and the Hippocratic Oath, which, "…expressly forbids the giving of deadly medicine to anyone who asks" (Cauthen). The argument that euthenasia is an act of compassion and mercy can also be contradicted. There are many drugs available today that can be used to control pain; "Nearly all pain can be eliminated and - in those rare cases where it can't be eliminated - it can still be reduced significantly if proper treatment is provided" (easons for Euthanasia). There is also the contention that is euthanasia was legalized in society it could easily be abused for other purposes. It would be very difficult in some cases to distinguish acts of compassion from murder (Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: The Current Debate).

In the final analysis the argument against…...

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References

Cauthen K. Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia. Retrieved July 30, 2009, from  http://www.frontiernet.net/~kenc/asuici.htm 

Deontological Ethics. Retrieved July 30, 2009, from  http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-deontological/ 

Euthanasia. Retrieved: March 18, 2005 from Encarta. Retrieved July 30, 2009, from http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761562836/Euthanasia.html

Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: The Current Debate. Retrieved July 30, 2009, from http://www.deveber.org/text/euthan.html

Euthanasia is basically described as the intentional killing of an individual for his/her benefit, and is usually carried out because the person who dies requests for it. hile it can also be referred to as physician-assisted suicide, it's known as euthanasia because there are situations where the individual can't ask for it. As one of the major issues in the medical field, there are various laws regarding euthanasia in almost every country. The issue has continued to generate huge debates regarding its morality and legality. One of the major issues that have emerged regarding the practice is voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. This issue has attracted various reasons in support and opposition of both the voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. Despite these reasons and opinions, a middle ground position is the logical solution regarding euthanasia.
Background:

The practice of medicine means that physicians involved in this work are treading a narrow path between the…...

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Works Cited:

De Boer, Marike E., Rose-Marie Dro Es, Cees Jonker, Jan A. Eefsting, and Cees M.P.M. Hertogh. "Advance Directives for Euthanasia in Dementia: How Do They Affect Resident Care in Dutch Nursing Homes? Experiences of Physicians and Relatives." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 59.6 (2011): 989-96. Print.

Fenigsen, Richard. "Other People's Lives: Reflections on Medicine, Ethics, and Euthanasia." Issues in Law & Medicine 27.1 (2011): 51-70. Print.

Lewis, Penney. "The Empirical Slippery Slope from Voluntary to Non-Voluntary Euthanasia." Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics (2007): 197-210. Print.

McGee, Andrew. "Me and My Body: The Relevance of the Distinction for the Difference between Withdrawing Life Support and Euthanasia." Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics (2011): 671-77. Print.

Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, as what the most common definition says, is the (medical) process of killing somebody in a merciful manner and is aimed at putting an end to that person's pain and suffering.

The claimed justification for euthanasia first takes the moral high ground of compassion. When a truer form of compassion is found in palliative care, the ground shifts to an appeal to human rights, especially to the sovereignty of self- determination." (Gormally, 1997).

The questions that are attached to this process lies in the moral and humane aspect. Is it morally right to commit such action towards your loved one? Do you really think that you are helping that sick person by ending his life? Is euthanasia the only way to ease him/her from such pain and suffering? And what about the power of miracles and prayers coupled with the determination of that sick person to live? These…...

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References

Arguments Against Euthanasia..2004. http://www.*****/Politics/97.htm

Brock, Dan. Deciding for Others. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989.

Brody, Baruch. Life and Death Decision Making. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.

Callahan D. The Troubled Dream of Life. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1993.

Euthanasia Debate
Euthanasia is the practice of voluntarily ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering (Euthanasia.com/definitions). The act of euthanasia differs from the act of murder in that the person who will die makes the decision to end their life. In the case of murder, the person does not wish to end their life, but anther person intervenes to bring about their death against their wishes. Euthanasia is categorized as active and passive (Euthanasia.com/definitions). Passive euthanasia means failure to provide life prolonging medical treatment and letting a disease state take its natural course without intervention. Active euthanasia means to take measures to end a person's life (Euthanasia.com/definitions). hen the topic of euthanasia is discussed, active euthanasia is typically to what is being referred.

The debate over whether euthanasia, particularly physician-assisted suicide, is acceptable is a debate of global concern. The question has clearly defined sides of opposition. One that…...

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Works Cited

Hershey, Laura. "Euthanasia Opponents React to Holland's New Law." Disability world. 2011. Web. <   18 May 2011.http://www.disabilityworld.org/05-06_01/gov/euthanasia.shtml >.

Euthanasia.com. "Euthanasia Definitions." 2011. Web. <   > 18 May 2011.http://www.euthanasia.com/definitions.html 

Euthanasia.com. "History of Assisted Suicide." <  http://www.euthanasia.com/history.html 

Euthanasia.com. "Reasons for Euthanasia." 2011. Web.

I believe that the most important factor which supports the argument according to which euthanasia should be your legal right is represented by the individual's right and freedom to choose. And by this I mean that all people ought to be allowed the right to this sort of decision and not only the ones who are terminally ill. For example, people in an advanced state of Alzheimer or people who have to deal with painful effects of other diseases. "In exercising autonomy or self-determination, people take responsibility for their lives; since dying is a part of life, choices about the manner of their dying and the timing of their death are, for many people, part of what is involved in taking responsibility for their lives. Many people are concerned about what the last phase of their lives will be like, not merely because of fears that their dying might involve…...

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Bibliography:

Arguments against euthanasia, BBC Ethics Guide, Retrieved September 29, 2010 from  http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/euthanasia/ 

Arguments for euthanasia, BBC Ethics Guide, Retrieved September 29, 2010 from

It is important to realize that this perspective is still highly prevalent in many countries, and that even the notion of euthanasia could be hugely offensive to some people, especially in sensitive situations such as end-of-life discussion. While this argument is admittedly built on subjective individual views of morality, it is still a very valid ethical view (Paterson 2003).
Other ethicists take a more moderate, middle view of the issue, arguing that the right to decide when to die does apply in certain instances, but that abuses are too easily allowed in the systems set up by many countries (Cohen-Almagor 2001). The issue hinges upon the relationship between the physician and their patient, and the nature of advice, information, and persuasion. Specifically, it is the fine and often invisible line that exists between the presentation of full information to the patient and the use of persuasion on the part of…...

This literature review supports the premise that opinions regarding euthanasia differ among various groups of professional. This literature review demonstrates that the nurse plays an important role in the perceived quality of the death experience. The study indicates that there is a need for training in a number of clinical settings regarding care of the dying and futile treatments. Literature indicated that differences exist between nurses that are new to palliative care and those that have been in the job for quite some time. The literature review supports the importance of this study and indicates that differences exist among various specialties and facilities. This study will play an important role in understanding how differences in attitudes towards euthanasia are affected by years of experience and clinical setting. The ultimate goal of the study will be to find ways to improve the experiences of dying patients and their families.

Chapter 3: Methodology

The…...

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References

Badger, J. 2008. Critical Care Nurse Intern program: addressing psychological reactions related to critical care nursing. Crit Care Nurs Q. 31(2): 184-7.

Beckstrand, R. (2006). Providing a "good death": critical care nurses' suggestions for improving end-of-life care. Am J. Crit Care 15(1): 38-45.

De Bal, N. (2006). Involvement of nurses in caring for patients requesting euthanasia in Flanders (Belgium): a qualitative study. Int J. Nurs Stud. 43(5): 589-99

Emanuel EJ, Fairclough D, Clarridge BC, et al. (2000). Attitudes and practices of U.S. oncologists regarding euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Ann Intern Med. 2000;133:527-532

The committee then informs the family about the decision and, when the request is granted, discusses with the patient how he or she will go through the procedure of euthanasia or PAS. When possible, the patient is asked to sign a declaration of will, which, together with a report on the procedure, will be included with his or her hospital records (Scheper 1994).
Some debaters have called attention to the significant moral difference between terminating life by euthanasia/PAS and allowing death by the withdrawal of life-sustaining, cure-oriented but useless equipment and treatment. Charles MckHann and other advocates advanced that respect for an autonomous and informed patient's request entitles his or her to respect for a request for help in dying (Gula 1999). ut opponents insisted on the moral difference between the withholding or withdrawal of treatment when nothing more can be done to significantly reverse the patient's physical state and…...

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Capron, Alexander Morgan and Michel, Viki. Will California Legalize Euthanasia? Commonweal, September 25, 1992  http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1252/is_n16_v119/ai_12302893 

2. Gula Richard, reviewer. Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide: Killing or Caring? By Michael Manning. Christian Century: Paulist Press, May 5, 1999.  http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_14_116/ai_54588537 

3. Philippsen, Bregje D. Onwuteak. Euthanasia and Old Age. Age and Ageing, November 1997.  http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2459/is_n6/_v26/ai_0206885 

4. Scheper, TMJJ olde. Euthanasia: the Dutch Experience. Age and Ageing, January 1994.  http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2459/is_n1_v23/ai_14904640

Again, my rebuttal to this argument is that proponents of euthanasia are not trigger-happy killers. Any legal request for euthanasia would have to be processed for validity by qualified doctors. Any signs of depression would be properly treated and a reasonable "cooling-off period" be provided to the patients to change their minds. Only a bare-minimum number of patients who are suffering without any chance of relief and only those who persistently wish to end their lives to avoid an undignified death would qualify for euthanasia.
It is also argued that advances in modern medicine have made it possible to alleviate all kinds of pain; hence there is no reason why any seriously ill person should suffer unbearable pain. This is a sweeping argument that is again not supported by solid facts. There are many terminal conditions such as full-blown aids and several forms of cancer in which no amounts of…...

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Works Cited

Moreland, J.P. And Norman L. Geisler. The Life and Death Debate: Moral Issues of Our Time. Westport, CT: Praeger, 1990.

Otlowski, Margaret. Voluntary Euthanasia and the Common Law. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1997

Young, Robert. "Voluntary Euthanasia." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 2002. April 15, 2005  http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/euthanasia-voluntary/ 

When a doctor provides such information to a terminally ill patient it is called "physician-assisted suicide." Both "assisted suicide" and "physician-assisted suicide" are covered under the broad definition of euthanasia.

he findings reveal that the pain is unbearable yet the patients tend to become immune from it, or at least surrender to it. he purpose of this article as it relates to the topic of euthanasia is that one popular argument for the legalization of euthanasia is that it is inhumane to let a patient suffer. his study attempts to validate this argument by showing what exactly the patient is suffering from.
Coyle, N., Adelhardt, J., Foley, K.M. "Character of erminal Illness in the Advanced Cancer Patient: Pain and Other Symptoms During the Last Four Weeks of Life." Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 1990, Issue 5, p.p. 83 -93.

his study focuses on assessing and evaluating the levels of pain that a terminally ill, advanced cancer patient suffers from, particularly during the last four weeks of their life. his article relates to the topic of euthanasia in that it finds…...

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This is a collection of twenty-one essays presenting both sides of the euthanasia debate. Each essay addresses a specific issue on the topic but all focusing on either the fields of medial ethics, public policymaking or social philosophy as they relate to euthanasia. Such questions as the decisions facing the medical and political policymakers and how the answer to these questions will effect the elderly and terminally ill are what makes this text stand out from others on the same topic.

Schacter, S. "Quality of Life for Families in the Management of Home Care Patients with Advanced Cancer." Journal of Palliative Care. 1992, Issue 8, p.p. 61-66.

This study evaluates the quality of life of the caregiver of a home care patient suffering from advanced stages of cancer. The results are high satisfaction with the system.

....

These statements can serve as a foundation for essays that explore various dimensions of end-of-life care, including ethical considerations, the impact of technology, the importance of palliative care, and the role of family and caregivers. Each thesis sets the stage for a detailed discussion on its respective topic, allowing for a deep dive into the complexities and nuances involved in end-of-life care and decision-making.

"The implementation of advanced care planning significantly improves end-of-life care by ensuring that individuals' preferences and values are respected, highlighting the need for more widespread adoption of these practices in healthcare settings."

"While technological advancements in medicine have....

1. The Ethics of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

2. The Controversy Surrounding End-of-Life Decision Making

3. A Critical Examination of the Right to Die Movement

4. The Role of Medical Professionals in Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

5. Cultural Perspectives on Death and Dying

6. Legal Implications of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

7. The Psychological Impact of Assisted Death on Patients and Families

8. Religion and Euthanasia: A Clash of Values

9. Public Opinion and Policy Debates on End-of-Life Choices

10. Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: A Final Act of Compassion or a Slippery Slope?
11. Beyond the Veil: Exploring the Depths of Euthanasia....

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