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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Euthanasia

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EUTHANASIA

Introduction
The euthanasia debate has become increasingly active in recent years. Technological advances have made it possible to prolong life almost indefinitely. Despite modem advances, it is not always possible to alleviate the horrendous suffering which accompanies many terminal diseases. This has prompted many to reevaluate the methods used by the health care profession to make the dying process more merciful and dignified (James & David, 1993).
Technology has played an ever increasing role in the euthanasia issue. Advances in medical technology have made it more likely that the final stages of life will be both extended and dependent on medical intervention in ways that are, for some, …show more content…

The most widely known ethical directive in medicine comes from the Hippocratic tradition. The Hippocratic Oath is very clear in its opposition to euthanasia. The physician promises ‘I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if 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’ (James & David, 1993). This means the primary duty of a physician is preserve life at all cost for which he/she has taken an oath.
The other issue is that the time of decision when one decide to end the life it may be a premature decision and such patients are not given adequate palliative care prior to the euthanasia. In the Netherlands, physicians report that in 9 percent of euthanasia cases in nursing homes not all palliative measures were utilized prior to ending the patient's life. Even around 60 percent were not receiving hospice care (Emanuel, 1999). This is one reason why it is said that euthanasia could breach patients’ right to get an optimal …show more content…

The profession is full of tough choices to be made by the physician, patients and families. So in my opinion one should compare the up and down side of his/her choices and go for that with benefit to the patient and family. In doing so we need to take in to consideration of ours and publics’ moral ground, laws of the country and cultures of the people. I believe every life has a purpose in this world and should be left to pass on by its own natural course without any intervention. The state of patient’s health condition may be so bad he/she may want to be killed or commit a suicide but the job as a physician is to work the best they can in finding a solution for the pain or suffering. Physicians are there to heal not to kill, for which there are others,

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