Euthanasia Yeah or Nay

While I took a Christian Ethics class in college we studied many controversial issues. One issue in particular was euthanasia. Dictionary.com defines euthanasia, also called mercy killing. The act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, a person or animal suffering from an incurable, esp. a painful, disease or condition.

Buzzel.com lists some pro euthanasia arguments as:

1. Legalizing euthanasia would help alleviate suffering of terminally ill patients. It would be inhuman and unfair to make them endure the unbearable pain.

2. In case of individuals suffering from incurable diseases or in conditions where effective treatment wouldn’t affect their quality of life; they should be given the liberty to choose induced death.

3. Also, the motive of euthanasia is to "aid-in-dying" painlessly and thus should be considered and accepted by law. Although killing in an attempt to defend oneself is far different from mercy killing, law does find it worth approving.

Buzzel.com also lists some con euthanasia arguments as:

1. Mercy killing is morally incorrect and should be forbidden by law. It’s a homicide and murdering another human cannot be rationalized under any circumstances.

2. Human life deserves exceptional security and protection. Advanced medical technology has made it possible to enhance human life span and quality of life. Palliative care and rehabilitation centers are better alternatives to help disabled or patients approaching death live a pain-free and better life.

3. Family members influencing the patient’s decision into euthanasia for personal gains like wealth inheritance is another issue. There is no way you can be really sure if the decision towards assisted suicide is voluntary or forced by others.

Wonder what I think? Well I will tell you of course! The first thing that comes to my mind is to get yourself a living will. A living will is a way to prevent some major problems from occuring in the first place. If there is a legal document stating the wishes of the dying person this would make things quite clear.

Second, what family member gets to "pull the plug" if I may use that term. Well if a couple is married I believe the spouse should then be in control of that decision. Of course there is the argument the spouse may be thinking of the financial gain if the person dies but once again I would refer back to the living will. If the dying person does not want the spouse in charge, get that in your living will. Maybe they are close to a divorce, well then you better get in writing somewhere what you want your dying wishes to be. Make it a priority.

Third, so what if the person is not married, has no family, and there is no living will? I would then argue the decision should be left to the doctors in charge of the person's care. Doctors are well educated and placed in that position for a reason to make tough decisions. I strongly believe in their ability to make the decision for a person's care. I think it should be their decision to make. Yes doctors make mistakes but can you please name a customer service profession free of mistakes?

Ultimately who decides when a person should live or die? How long do we let a person "live" in a coma before it is acceptable to turn off the machines? I am strong believer in letting medical professionals assist in making all these decisions. I know people come out of a coma sometimes after years but let me ask how long do we want insurance companies keep someone alive in a hope they might regain consciousness? Now I know I might change my mind if it were my loved one in a coma, and of course I am not suggesting you can put a dollar amount on someone's life but when the worst case scenario happens I think people should listen to the recommendation of the doctor. They are the smartest and most knowledgable people in those situations. We ought to follow what doctors think is the best viable option.