Arguments Against Euthanasia And Assisted Suicide

Euthanasia is killing someone who has decided that their life is not worth living anymore.

.Euthanasia and assisted suicide is illegal in the in the United Kingdom under the Common Law Offence as it is seen as murder, under the Suicide Act 1961 section 2, states “who aids, abets, counsels or procures the suicide of another, or an attempt by another to commit suicide, shall be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.” Meaning if a person who aids a person who wants to perform or attempt suicide, the person who aid the person to perform suicide or euthanasia s liable for conviction on indictment to imprisonment of 14 years.

Euthanasia can be seen as manslaughter or murder, and the punishment of this

She went to court to ask if the court can grant her husband immunity from prosecution if he was to help end her life. However, the House of Lords rejected her application, because assisted suicide is illegal under the Common Law.

There was another case on assisted suicide, against Miss Debbie Purdy, because she challenged the law on assisted suicide as there was no clarity why it was illegal, and why someone was not allowed to end their life. She did not understand why and how prosecutors make the decision to prosecute her husband, if he assisted her to Switzerland for euthanasia. However, Ms Purdy did win her case and guidance was issued for her. As a result DPP did not prosecute her due to the public interest as she has already gone to Switzerland for assisted suicide.

However religion believes that death is an important part of human life, but religion does have a strong view on euthanasia, as they disapprove euthanasia as they believe human life is sacred and special gift from god. All religion believe euthanasia is not an option, they believe illness or disability makes people vulnerable and they need extra care, assistance and protection by having a proper way to end their life, such as natural death instead of euthanasia. Religious beliefs believe in the sanctity of life that all human life is sacred. Meaning god gives humans life and he is the only powerful being that has the right to take life

Most countries are shortage on health resources for patients. This can result by not having a speedy access on treatment for people who are ill. Health resources are used on people who are ill and cannot be cured, by having euthanasia available it gives patient an option if they want to end their life or not. By giving people a choice it will be beneficial to hospital and other health establishment as there will be a lot more resources for people who can be cured and to treat people who want to live. There are objections against euthanasia, because vulnerable people can be open to abuse, which can lead to involuntary euthanasia because of limited health resources for patients. People might start using euthanasia because they feel they are a burden to society. Euthanasia devalues lives as it gives the impression that it’s better to end your life than being terminally ill or disabled. If you look at a disabled person perspective they might feel pressured in that decision as they feel they might be a burden on society and family. However, legalising euthanasia can give doctors too much power in the medical field, as they can decide to keep a patient alive or not. However, faith groups disapprove on this as doctors or human beings are not allowed to play God by deciding if a patient should live or not. Legalising euthanasia can put pressure on families or people who are involved