Norman Cousins Arguments Against Euthanasia

To Die Or To Not Die

“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside of us as we live” stated Norman Cousins (“Brainy Quotes” 1). Many cultures have strong viewpoints on suicide, but even stronger beliefs on euthanasia. Euthanasia is the merciful killing of a terminally ill patient in relentless pain. It is illegal in most countries, however some do permit it. Euthanasia is mainly for those with long term cancer and who were in car accidents that left them paralyzed. Citizens around the world should be aware of the pros and cons of euthanasia and where it is accepted. Despite the United States and Australia that think to kill oneself is disgraceful and neglects the medical field, others like the Netherlands

To begin, Australia and the U.S do not support euthanasia. In these cultures it is believed to be morally wrong. A human being should never kill another human being, even if they are allowed to do so. Both of these countries are big believers in medicine and have been making medical discoveries for centuries. To take part in euthanasia would be as if one is abandoning the medical profession, which both Australia and the U.S. strongly promote (“Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide” 23). Doctors are here to help people, not for someone to judge their own health. “If the current generation of medical professionals makes this a possibility, it would change the very character of the practice of medicine. The physician would no longer be purely a healer but would be an executioner as well” (Orr 6). Doctors encouraging euthanasia could unintentionally affects one’s health. Patients who would never consider it, would feel uncomfortable and scared knowing they could get persuade to do so. Euthanasia would no doubt wreak the sacred bond between doctor and patient. “Human life must be respected regardless of age, gender race, religion, social status or potential success. Life is good in and of itself, not just

These cultures believe choosing whether or not to take one’s life is part of our human rights, so it should be our choice and our choice alone. No one wants to be a burden when they grow old or diagnosed with a disease that would make them dependent on family and friends (Orr 8). For those who get to a point where they can’t eat without help or walk without assistance to them dying is a much better option than being incapable of doing the little things in life. There’s more than one case where an accident occurs to an independent well respected human being. To those people having someone always there to do normal everyday things would be an insult to who they are as a person. It would be living a completely different life that is not suited for them. Most times euthanasia is described as a selfish decision, however Belgium and the Netherlands believes it helps make them in control of their own lives, something everyone should be guaranteed. Another point to consider is when a critically injured animal is in pain and suffering there is no thought other than to put it out of it’s misery. Belgium and the Netherlands believe the same should be said for humans (Orr 12). No one wants to live just to live, but get nothing out of it. Sitting in a bed all day barely eating and breathing is not living. It’s just the bare minimum to survive. When a person has no chance of improvement, and everyday causes them pain, they