Euthanasia Case - only Existing Is Not Living

Only Existing is Not Living

In American society new things are accepted every day. For example interracial relationships, homosexuality, teenage pregnancy, plastic surgery among many other things. Although, something that has not been accepted completely in the United States is the medical practice of Euthanasia. Only one out of the 50 states have legalized Physician assisted Suicide. Euthanasia comes from the Greek words for, "easy death." (Green Haven press 2007 12) Euthanasia, by definition is the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy. (Merriam-Webster Online) The use of Euthanasia is based on quality of life. Euthanasia should be legalized to provide an escape for patients who no longer have a good quality of life, patients who are diagnosed with a terminal illness and last because Euthanasia would provide a financial alternative for individuals faced with costly illnesses that will lead them to death regardless.

Euthanasia can be drawn back to the Greek and Romans around 400 B.C. through the writings of a Greek physician named Hippocrates. Hippocrates is known today as the, "father of modern medicine." (History Learning site, par. 1) All modern day, qualified doctors take what is called the "Hippocratic Oath," which actually mentions the opposition to Physician assisted suicide. A traditional version of the oath translated and interpreted by Ludwig Edelstein reads as follows, "I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy. In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art."

It can be hard to measure the quality of someone's life, but when an individual finds him or herself under the diagnosis of a life threatening disease changes are sure to come. Some diseases considered to be life-changing are, Cancer, AIDS, also progressive neurologic disorders. (Carrie L. Snyder 78) With these conditions also comes the prognosis of pain, helplessness, loss of control over bodily functions, weakness, nausea, breathlessness, along with the apprehension that it can only get worse. (79) It is likely that any or all of the previously listed symptoms will wear on one's attitude and outlook towards life. Imagine that these suffering individuals only wake each morning with the desire to die, because their lives have turned from normalcy to an everyday battle to just make it through the day. Tasks that were once so easy, like walking to the bathroom and getting dressed each day are now very strenuous and in many cases cannot be performed by themselves. The unconscious task to be independent has been stolen from these individuals; no longer can they rely on themselves. Euthanasia should be legalized to stop this unnecessary suffering. Although life is very fragile, sometimes it is not worth living. Euthanasia would allow people to die with dignity.

Within the reason of time, place and situation each person chooses how they live their life, each person should also be able to choose how they die. (Sylvia Engdahl, 74) Death most commonly comes as a surprise, but would it not be nice to be able to prepare for it. Choosing how to die would allow people to settle all unfinished business and with the love and support of family and friends, euthanasia would be a very peaceful way to die. Common questions among people who have lost a loved one are whether the person who passed wanted to die, if they were scared, if they were ready, also what could have, would have, or should have been said before they died. Each question leaving the one left