Advantages of euthanasia in a modern society

            The issue of euthanasia has always been an immensely controversial topic in the eyes of modern society. Many take a stand against it, while others consider it to be a justifiable way of ending a human being’s sufferings. This following essay is going to discuss why method of doctor-assisted dying is an equitable way of freeing a person who is destined to remain in a lethal condition.

            Firstly, every human being has the right to die in dignity (ACLU). It is inhumane to force anybody to stay alive once they are terminally ill and would prefer to end their sufferings. For a person to experience their own decay it might be terrible to acknowledge their new incapabilities. Not to mention the fact that withstanding immense pain requires a very clear state of mind, which most ill people lack. Therefore, providing that they decide at which point they would want to pass away, it should be considered their constitutional right to have that wish granted.

            Secondly, caring for seriously ill patients is often said to place an enormous burden on the person’s caregivers. Furthermore, in most cases it is the family that is in a greater emotional need than the gravely ill people themselves. In fact, they might even subconsciously suggest „suicidal” thoughts to the sufferer (Johnston).  From that derives the fact that no longer having the duty of caring for a terminally ill relative might place a lesser burden on the family members.

            Thirdly, euthanasia pressures the national health care system of a country into providing space for patients who are terminally ill and have no chance to recover, knowing also that they are in uncontrollable pain which prevents them from rejoicing even over the basic things of human life. (Merrill Matthews) While beds are taken up by those people in hospitals, there is much less room to house temporarily ill patients. Thus, if gravely ill individuals were granted the right to decide when they are no longer capable of handling the pain, it would also relieve the burden on the health care system of the country.

            To conclude, euthanasia is a rather divisive topic, with many reasons for or against the method. It is definitely of great importance to make educated decisions in regards to the matter, considering the feelings and will of both the family and the patient.

 

(ACLU), American Civil Liberties Union. ACLU Amicus Brief in Vacco v. Quill. 1996.

Johnston, Brian. Death as a Salesman - What's Wrong with Assisted Suicide. 1994.

Merrill Matthews, Jr., PhD. Physician Assisted Suicide: Expanding the Debate. 1998.