Euthanasia: Ethical Considerations and Perspectives

Euthanasia: A Moral Dilemma

Regarding euthanasia, the core moral issue revolves around two key questions: Does an individual possess the right to choose the timing of their death? Furthermore, does this person have the right to seek assistance in ending their life from a medical professional? Proponents of euthanasia often argue that when death is inevitable, imminent, and the pain preceding it unbearable, the only morally sound response is to actively end the person's life. Conversely, opponents contend that euthanasia is essentially suicide and murder.

An Illustrative Analogy

An analogy, relevant to euthanasia, compares illness or ailment to a murderer. The ill person is the victim, running down a long alley with the murderer closing in. Death is imminent. Euthanasia, in this scenario, is akin to someone opening a door ahead of the person and shooting them point-blank. While the death in euthanasia may be "gentler," it still involves taking a life. Moreover, who can guarantee that the "murderer" will truly kill the victim?

Personal Stance on Euthanasia

On this subject, I believe euthanasia should not be permitted. While I acknowledge that, under impossibly strict conditions, euthanasia could potentially benefit those suffering, I maintain that it should not be allowed because it fails a deontological test. Personal maxims should not be universalized if they cannot be applied universally. If society permits euthanasia to alleviate medical pain and suffering, what prevents the scope from expanding to include individuals with severe depression, those pressured by their family to die, and any other derivative not intended within the just scope of euthanasia?

Key Terms

• Manipulate: Change; move; develop
• Ramifications: Consequences
• Predispositions: States of mind or body favorable to (something)
• Gauge: Estimate; judge
• Stricken: Afflicted; attacked
• Screenings: Tests to detect unwanted attributes
• Staggering: Astonishing; overwhelming
• Reluctant: Unwilling; resistant
• Specter: Haunting fear of future trouble
• Interventions: Interference to stop something
• Stellar: Brilliant