Ethics

ETHICS

INTRODUCTION

One of the most debatable issues in world today is Euthanasia . Given that passive euthanasia has been accepted worldwide , the question whether or not to allow active euthanasia has long-plagued the minds of physicians , ethicists and legislators . In discussing this sensitive issue , one must have sufficient knowledge of the word euthanasia

DEFINITION AND KINDS OF EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia comes from the Greek word eu-thanatos ' which means a good death (Perri , 1999 ) Others simply define it as mercy killing . It may be recalled that this word has been categorized into

br two distinct types , the Passive Euthanasia and Active Euthanasia

PASSIVE EUTHANASIA VS . ACTIVE EUTHANASIA

Passive euthanasia is commonly known as the result of discontinuing the artificial life support and treatment of a person . Consequently , it allows the happening of a natural death upon a patient . On the other hand , active euthanasia proceeds from the positive act , either performed by the patient himself or other person , of inflicting death . It involves a deliberate and intentional act to curtail the life of a person with the purpose of ending suffering . Simply put , the former kind allows the death of person to occur naturally while that of the latter brings about the death of a person by performing an act

Another distinction is that in passive euthanasia , the process of death is slow and painful , whereas in active euthanasia , it is rather swift and painless

Presently , the passive type of euthanasia is already legalized with certain requirements and limitations , such that it is allowed if the person concerned is competent . However , if the said person is incompetent , euthanasia of this kind may only be allowed if the patient has executed previously a valid living will . As regards active euthanasia , no court have allowed it yet , rather , several states have enacted law that criminalizes assisted euthanasia

DISCUSSION

Though the definition of the different kinds of euthanasia has been established , others still have the view that there is no difference between active and passive euthanasia

Supporters of active euthanasia have posited several arguments to advance their interests . Among their contentions are as follows

There is no difference between the act of doing something and the act of doing nothing since the same action would result in the same end , the death of the patient

The right to one 's life necessarily carries with it the right to end it

In the advent of medical technology , physicians now are more capable of determining the patient 's illness and are more reliable in giving the best advice concerning the patient 's condition . Thus , they know the best method on how to deliver ill patients

Currently , the trend shows that more and more countries are embracing the concept of passive euthanasia . However , one cannot also deny that pro-active euthanasia 's drives are more and more making its impact Thus , others are now open to the idea of assisted euthanasia . Be that as it may , still , many are of the considered view that there still exist reasonable and logical...