Euthanasia is a controversial issue, but if one actually studies the facts about this topic one will soon come to realize that euthanasia is perhaps the most humane and sympathetic way one can end life. By committing euthanasia, one is giving the power to a medical professional to end one’s life—this may be a personal issue, or one that is given to a person by way of a durable power of attorney. In both cases, drugs are either given or withheld to facilitate the natural cause of death. Euthanasia has been a controversial topic throughout the years and promises to continually be a medical moral dilemma as long as people contract terminal illnesses.
Cases of euthanasia arise from patients who generally have terminal conditions that preclude them from a hopeful future cure. For example, patients who have cancer, AIDS, and other terminal medical conditions with a poor prognosis are those who commonly consider euthanasia. Amongst the medical community, euthanasia is the most humane way to end life. For most patients, this procedure ends a long history of suffering and pain. Euthanasia removes this pain by simply ending life.
Many patients consider this option when they first enter the hospital following a terminal illness diagnosis. They appoint a loved one, or the like, the power of attorney—meaning that this person has the ultimate say in the patient’s medical care. This power of attorney (POA) can exercise euthanasia by simply telling the medical professionals (the doctors and/or nurses) in charge of the patient that he/she wants to exercise the right. Controversial as it is, euthanasia is shoved under the carpet in many hospitals and is generally frowned upon by conservatives and Christians alike.
The conservative wing of the Republican Party disagrees with this medical procedure. They argue that life is precious and should not be ended prematurely and that one should live out one’s life. Another argument made by conservatives is that the medical community cannot play the role of God in affairs dealing with death. To them, the only being who has the power to take away mortal life is God himself. Liberals and Democrats alike argue this point.
The left, and this author, argues that euthanasia is not as bad as what the Christians believe it to be. Ending a life wrought with pain and suffering is similar to lethally shooting a dying animal. To this author, prolonging one’s life while one is suffering with no future hope is not only insensitive, but is also cruel. Euthanasia is used when no other measures can be taken and should only be used in such circumstances. It should be used humanely, and if exercised properly, will limit the suffering of those contracting such debilitating diseases. Truly, respecting one’s quality of life must be considered when considering euthanasia.
