Euthanasia/assisted Suicide Debate

Euthanasia has been defined as the mercy killing of the hopelessly ill, injured, or

incapacitated (Pozgar, 2010). It is terminating life of a terminally ill person, at the request of the

person, to end their suffering, especially when the individual is in such excruciating pain and it

is impossible to bear it without medication. While technology has given the ability to prolong

human life through science and knowledge, technology does not always add quality of life.

When it comes to my belief regarding euthanasia, because of my personal illness and experience,

I am leaning more toward letting the individual decide whether or not they want to suffer and

live in agony; however, there may be circumstances where I may not totally agree. As a cancer

survivor, I empathize with individuals who endure agonizing pain, because even with strong

medication, the pain I endured was very unbearable. Although my illness was not terminal and I

never once thought about ending my life, I was in such a great state of pain that I understand

what it feels like to want to end it all.

Euthanasia is an extremely sensitive and emotional issue that many people has strong

beliefs about. On one hand I feel as though an individual who is terminally ill, yet mentally

competent, have full knowledge of what they are doing, not under duress and no longer want to

endure any pain, should have the right to decide whether or not they want to suffer. Some people

are in so much pain that they do not want to live. In this case, they might want to end their life

in a painless and caring way. This often happens when a person is terminally ill and there

is no curable treatment. Also, if a person is terminally ill and have a very short time to live, with

the high healthcare cost, one can make the argument that a couple more months of life is not

worth it as long as the terminal individual decides whether it is worth it or not.

When a patient is not able to make the decision, health professionals, friends or family

members might decide that they want to help end the person's life for humane reasons. My

ninety three year old grandmother who we just laid to rest this past weekend, was diagnosed with

terminal cancer just two weeks ago. I cannot imagine her being elderly and fragile enduring the

severity of pain she was in for a very short period of time, for many months or even years,

fortunately, she did not have to suffer long. When we see how some animals suffer and are put to

sleep to alleviate their pain; many may argue that the same logic can apply to any human beings

who are terminal, in a great state of pain and choose to end their suffering.

On the other hand, on a spiritual level, my faith teaches that killing of any kind is

immoral no matter the circumstances. Many faiths, along with mine, agree that life is a gift

from our Heavenly Father and no human being has the right to take that life. Murder is murder,

no matter what name it is given. But when you really think about it, life can be extended through

the abilities and gifts of humans, but cannot end through the abilities and gifts of humans. My

belief is the Most High is the only one that can give and take away life, however, it brings to

mind that if the Most High only can give and take away life, should we reject all medicine and

immunizations that are discovered to allow us live healthier and longer? I believe in reality, we

all have our own reasons whether we believe euthanasia is justifiable or not, because of our

different experiences, beliefs, and outlooks on life.

In terms of special populations, with involuntary euthanasia more laws and ethical issues

come into play. To protect special groups such as the poor, minorities, elderly and disable, their

need to be someone who has their best interest in mind and to make sure their family members,

friends or healthcare staff has their best interest at heart and not for profitable gain. "One

concern has been that disadvantaged populations would be disproportionately