Arguments Against Active Euthanasia

Euthanasia derives from the Greek word euthanatos meaning “a good death” and is the practice of intentionally ending a life prematurely in order to relieve pain and suffering. Many individuals, particularly those suffering from a terminal illness, believe that they have a right to a good death, commonly referred to as dying with dignity. In 2016, the Canadian Federal government passed the Medical Assistance in Dying Act. This act enables adults suffering from a grievous, irremediable medical condition to receive medical assistance in dying. However, this creates a health care issue of whether individuals should have the right to prematurely end lives. As well, despite this changed law, the ethical issue remains of whether medical assistance

It is essential to define these terms. Voluntary euthanasia refers to the patient providing their consent for the procedure. On the other hand, active euthanasia is when a patient receives lethal medication, in comparison to passive euthanasia which would be removing life-sustaining treatment. It is also essential to compare and contrast the term physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. Physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia is similar as they involve the assistance of a health care provider to end the patient’s life. However, these options differ in that euthanasia requires the health care provider to administer lethal medication to the patient, whereas, physician-assisted suicide requires the patient to administer the lethal medication

However, this argument drastically jumps from a morally acceptable stage (voluntary active euthanasia) to a final morally unacceptable stage (involuntary euthanasia), without any explanation. As well, this argument fails to acknowledge patients’ autonomy in medical assistance in dying. Therefore, this counter-argument for the legalization of voluntary active euthanasia is irrational and inconsiderate. It is particular inconsiderate as it also fails to recognize individual autonomy. To elaborate, individual autonomy recognizes that competent individuals have the right to be self-determined, meaning they are able to make medical decisions based on their own beliefs. In voluntary active euthanasia, the patient is fully autonomous in their decision to consent to this medical procedure. Thus, individual autonomy acts as a safeguard to prevent the possibility of involuntary euthanasia from being legalized. As well, autonomy gives terminal ill patients the ability to make medical decisions to relieve their misery, ultimately promoting