The Use of Euthanasia, Essay Example

Abstract

This closing statement argues against the use of euthanasia on the bases as follows: (1) the potential of the use of euthanasia as a form of genocide against the poor and elderly; (2) the physician’s oath to save the lives of his or her patients; and (3) the inability to predict the life expectancy of the terminally ill.

Closing Statement

This debate has been focused on whether individuals should have the right to end their own life and it is certain that this is a contentious issue and one that all parties feel very passionate towards whether they support or refute the practice of euthanasia. It is necessary when emotions and passions are involved that rationality enter into such debates so as to guide and direct the overall society in the direction that results in the less harm to all concerned individuals. In the case of euthanasia concerned individuals include naturally the individuals seeking to end their own life, the spouse, children and other family of this individual, the doctors and healthcare workers involved in taking care of the individual, the clergy who is counseling the individual and their immediate family, and the community. Various reasons exist to support and to refute the use of euthanasia however, it is the contention of this writer that euthanasia is a practice that should not be made available to individuals because of the potential negative uses of this practice. For example, euthanasia has the potential to become a means of healthcare cost containment in which the poor and elderly are targeted in this practice of ending the individual’s life. It is possible that this practice could in the future somehow be used as a type of genocide. Secondly, the physician takes an oath to save the lives of his or her patients rendering this practice unethical. Finally, it is extremely hard to predict the life expectancy of terminally ill patients. Only recently, it was reported that a woman fell into a deep coma and the doctor recommended that the respirator be turned off however her sons refused even after being told that she was absolutely dead. Interestingly, as the true account relates the woman awakened 14 hours later. (Health Jackal, 2010) The gravity of the decision to end the life of an individual is not one that a physician should bear or even consider, as the life’s work of the physician is to save and improve the health and lives of his or her patients.

References

Cancer Patient Pronounced Dead Wakes Up 14 Hours Later (2010) Health Jackal. Health News 21 Oct 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.healthjackal.com/health/2010/10/21/cancer-patient-prnounced-dead-wakes-up-14-hours-later/