Why Euthanasia Should Be Legalized

Why Euthanasia Should Be Legalized

Euthanasia is a term used to describe a practice of intentionally killing another human being with or without their permission; when they are terminally or hopelessly ill. The word is derived from the Greek language combining the term "eu thanos" which means easy death. (Webster) By definition, euthanasia has become one of the most controversial issues of all time. Euthanasia is a practice used by doctors in the most extreme circumstances, for patients they feel they can no longer help; this practice should be legalized in America because people should have the right to decide whether or not they live or die. Euthanasia, being one of the most controversial issues of our time raises many questions such as: What should be determined as a matter of law and what is left as a matter of discretion and judgment? Should those who want to die, or who are in a "persistent vegetative state" be allowed to die voluntarily? And who should decide: the patient, the physician, the courts, or the families?

Euthanasia comes in two forms; the term positive euthanasia has come to refer to actions that actively cause death. The term passive euthanasia is used when certain common methods of treatment, such as antibiotics, drugs, or surgery, are withheld or a large quantity of needed, but ultimately lethal pain medication is administered. (Wikipedia.com) throughout the twentieth century, major scientific and medical advances have greatly enhanced the life expectancy of the average person.

The controversial issue about this argument is that, in these cases where the patient suffers from a terminal disease or remains in a "persistent vegetative state", which they cannot voice their wishes for continuation or termination of life. The question becomes whether the patient has freedom to choose, or whether or not to prolong their life, even though it may consist of pain and suffering. The potential of modern medical practice, to prolong life through technological means, has provoked the question of what courses of action should be available to the physician and the family. In these cases of extreme physical or emotional suffering, who should decide especially if the patient is incapable of choice?

The first countries to legalize euthanasia were the Netherlands in 2001 and Belgium in 2002. In 1997, Oregon became the first state in the United States to decriminalize physician-assisted suicide (Euthanasia.com); opponents of the controversial law, however, attempted to have it overturned. Some people still see it as taking another person's life, in which is considered a murder. This logic has come into play with recent news stories, most recently the case about Terri Schiavo. She was a forty-one year old Florida woman, who was basically described to be in a vegetative state, for thirteen years, who was taken off life support when the courts ruled with her husband, Michael Schiavo.

If the person is suffering and is asked to be killed they should be allowed to. We can now choose our partner, when to have a child, and whether to continue

...