Current Ethical Event Essay

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Current Ethical Event Assignment
An ethical issue I think is very important and caught my attention is euthanasia. There are two sides to this issue. One side of the issue is the individuals who believe euthanasia is ethical and morally acceptable because it decreases the world’s misery. On the other side are the individuals who believe euthanasia is not ethical and is immoral because it does not respect human life.
The side of the issue that believes euthanasia is ethical and morally acceptable appeals to the moral values of autonomy, human compassion, and happiness. Autonomy is the principle that all individuals have value and deserve the respect to make their own choices and decisions about their lives (Katherine, 2023). It is important …show more content…

One of the main moral values used to justify the position supporting euthanasia is autonomy. Autonomy is also one of the moral values for why euthanasia is not ethical and morally wrong. When one dies, it takes away autonomy. Therefore, you cannot respect autonomy if you take it away. Euthanasia also could cause people's autonomy to be taken away by being pressured or coerced into euthanasia (Shibata, 2017). One thing to note is that a lot of individuals suffering from a terminal illness usually are financially struggling, which could cause them to feel like a burden and to possibly consider euthanasia (Katherine, 2023). Another moral value used to justify the position of supporting euthanasia is happiness, suggesting that euthanasia increases happiness and decreases misery in the world. Using this moral value to justify their position does not work because it is too broad. It could be argued that euthanasia is justified as long as it increases happiness and decreases misery. This could justify the killing of an innocent individual. The only moral value that I believe really justifies euthanasia is human compassion. Allowing people a choice to end their suffering and pain, definitely is a way to show human compassion and