Essay --

The question of euthanasia is one that has plagued the human sense of morale for centuries. With modern medical technology it becomes even more pressing. I will cover three aspects of Euthanasia including three principles for, three principles against, and my own conclusion as to why Euthanasia is morally justified. To clarify some of the terms involved; Euthanasia is derived from the Greek language: Euthos, meaning easy, and thanos, meaning dying. Voluntary Euthanasia is a medically assisted, peaceful death at the request of the patient. There is also active and passive euthanasia. Active being euthanasia at the request of a relative and passive euthanasia is withholding treatment at the request of the patient. There have been many arguments for euthanasia and most can be surmised into three principles. One is that individuals should have the right to make their own choices in personal issues such as death. Not respecting one’s wish for a quiet and peaceful death disrespect s one’s autonomy. It does so in such a way that to deny the right to make their own decision is like telling them they do not have the capacity to make a rational decision. If one does not have rational thought than one is like an animal with no concept of death. If one is thought to be like an animal then what harm is there in â€Å"putting them to sleep†? As people we constantly put down loved pets to end their suffering. Telling someone who only wishes for a peaceful death that they may not have such a mercy completely defies autonomy. Individuals’ right to make their own decision is not only an ethical right that all people have, but it is also protected by the United States Constitution as a part of the Right to Privacy. Death, it would seem to me, constitut... ...eat gift to ease one's pain and a great show of compassion to that person as well. Individuals have the right to choose. Denying a person their right to choose life or death, to me, is intrinsically wrong. As stated previously, death is a very personal issue and if life is no longer worth living than who are we to force unwanted life upon someone? We have a right to make private decisions and that includes the decision to die. There is nothing wrong with wanting to die peacefully to end suffering quicker than a natural death might have allowed. Euthanasia is clearly a mercy for those who suffer immensely through disease. Euthanasia should be an option for those that want it. It is obvious that many will still have objections and many will not make such a choice, but if they so choose, a quick and easy death awaits. I personally am not against euthanasia.