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Essay / The ethical debate on euthanasia: arguments for and against
Table of contentsArguments in favor of euthanasiaArguments against euthanasiaConclusionReference: Euthanasia, the practice of ending the life of a suffering patient through the use of barbiturate or paralytic injections remains a very controversial practice. medical procedure. Although it is legal in the majority of European Union countries, in Colombia and in several American states, the countries where euthanasia is authorized still remain in the minority. This essay will delve into the ethical arguments for and against euthanasia. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayArguments for EuthanasiaOne of the main arguments for euthanasia is that it allows people suffering from incurable diseases to die with dignity, without unbearable pain. Unlike animals, which can be euthanized by veterinarians when they cannot be cured, humans often have to endure immense suffering that cannot be relieved by painkillers. Euthanasia provides a peaceful death, allowing patients to be surrounded by their loved ones during their final moments. From a human perspective, euthanasia provides an escape from the suffering that would otherwise cause patients to consider suicide. Additionally, the concept of euthanasia emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy. Individuals have the right to make decisions about their own lives, such as whether to receive a coronavirus vaccine or follow prescribed medications and treatments. In these situations, people are empowered to manage their own health independently. However, when it comes to choosing when and how to end their lives, this autonomy is often taken away, forcing them to suffer until death. This discrepancy raises a contradiction, in that individuals are allowed to choose suicide, which is not illegal, but are denied the choice of euthanasia, which involves a similar decision to end one's life. Arguments Against Euthanasia On the other hand, opponents of euthanasia argue that this medical procedure devalues human life. Parmar et al. (2016) conducted a study revealing that opponents believe individuals should be kept alive regardless of age, illness, disability, or personal preferences. Interestingly, these opponents use the same argument of mercy killing of animals to support euthanasia. They equate the lives of conscious human beings with those of pets, thereby reducing the value of human life. Additionally, opponents argue that legalizing euthanasia could lead to a decrease in the quality of care provided to terminally ill patients, as it is often less costly to end a person's life rather than provide appropriate palliative care. There are also concerns that some doctors may exploit euthanasia to manipulate patients and their families. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, the debate surrounding euthanasia remains unresolved due to the equally compelling arguments for and against. However, the fact that most countries prohibit mercy killing indicates that society as a whole is not yet ready to accept euthanasia. Nevertheless, the ban on euthanasia has given rise to a phenomenon known as "suicide tourism" in countries where euthanasia is legal. This suggests that discussions about, 20(12), 21-30.