Euthanasia pros and cons is a hot topic in the medical world. A person may come to consider Euthanasia when he or she has a loved one who is suffering from a certain type of terminal disease. People from different backgrounds and beliefs have different views about Euthanasia; some approve it while others don’t, and this paves the way for the existence of groups who are pro and anti Euthanasia.
Every individual has the right to decide on which side he or she stands, and considering the Euthanasia pros and cons will give him or her better insight about this hotly debated topic. A person cannot impose his or her own opinion on this matter to another person who is on the other end of the spectrum.
What is Euthanasia?
Understanding the Euthanasia pros and cons starts from comprehending what it stands for. Euthanasia refers to the purposeful killing of a person who is suffering from some kind of terminal disease. It is commonly referred to as “mercy killing”, which is a way of ending the life of a terminally ill patient humanely. Euthanasia is a derivative of two Greek words, “eu” for good and “thanasia” for death. This act of ending the life of the patient who is inflicted with an incurable disease or is suffering from immense pain is carried out by healthcare professionals with the consent of the patient’s family. Euthanasia is categorized into:
- Passive
The patient is deprived of something that could have preserved his or her life such as medical treatment and medication.
- Active
The patient is given something that will eventually end his or her life, most likely through lethal injection.
Why is euthanasia done?
Learning about euthanasia pros and cons involves knowing its core purpose, which is to provide relief and alleviate the suffering of a terminally ill patient. It is done out of compassion to the patient who is inflicted with an incurable condition in which death is already inevitable.
When is euthanasia carried out?
Examining euthanasia pros and cons will lead to one question, when is it carried out? Euthanasia is carried out under certain conditions:
- When proof of death is very obvious.
- When the patient had specified in his or her will to perform it which is considered as voluntary euthanasia.
- When the patient has become too weak and despite his or her objections, he or she cannot do something on his or her behalf. This is called involuntary euthanasia.
- When family members opt for it even without the consent or request of the patient.
How is euthanasia done?
As an individual examines euthanasia pros and cons deeply, he or she will learn how it is done. The primary aim of the act is to end the suffering and life of the patient, and there are several ways of doing this. The most popular method of euthanasia is through lethal injection which uses the same chemicals for putting criminals to death. The patient is first given with an anesthetic to make him or her unconscious. A paralyzing agent is then given in extremely large dosage which paralyzes the lungs and diaphragm to mark the beginning of death. Finally, a toxic agent is administered to disrupt the electrical signals needed by the heart and induce cardiac arrest.
Euthanasia pros
- It is a humane way to relieve patients who are in extreme pain.
- It spares the family from further financial expenditures due to prolonged and unproductive treatment.
- It helps alleviate the pressure the family feels due to pain and emotional stress.
- It prevents the overuse of drugs in the hospital on people with whom the medications no longer have any effects.
- It frees up funds for other people who require medical treatment.
- Physicians think that it would be much better if the patient is permitted to die to give others the chance to be treated and get well.
Euthanasia cons
- The act underrates the value of human life.
- By nature, it is considered unethical and even immoral.
- It has become an excuse by healthcare providers not to find other ways and treatment alternatives to treat the patient.
- It has become the way of controlling the cost of health care.
- Physicians are under oath not to engage in causing the death of their patients.
The list of euthanasia pros and cons continues to grow to influence or deter an individual about the practice. However, the decision to go for or against euthanasia is a matter of personal preference based on the belief of the individual. It is should be noted that death is an inevitable part of human life and is the ultimate eventuality everyone will have to face, whether for themselves or for their loved ones. Deciding whether euthanasia is rightful or not is something that requires deep thought about one’s beliefs and principles.
