The Pros And Cons Of Anti Euthanasia

Another reason behind anti-euthanasia supporters reasoning is the belief that it gives the doctor too much influence and power over patients. Opponents believe that euthanasia goes against the Hippocratic Oath and the four principles of medical ethics. The Hippocratic Oath states that is a popular medical statement written in the fifteenth century by Hippocrates, a Greek physician. The Hippocratic Oath states that deadly medicine should never be given to someone even if they ask (Cockeram 10). The four principles of medical ethics guarantee that all doctors must avoid harming their patients, are rational in their judgement, aim to do good, and treat all patients with fairness. Opposers argue that going against the principles of medical ethics

Similarly, the same group believes that legalizing euthanasia could lead to abuse and murder. On the contrary, supporters of euthanasia disagree that legalizing assisted suicide in all states would lead to doctors murdering and abusing patients because of the strict guidelines. Several safeguards and precautions are taken when it comes to the practice of euthanasia (Cockeram 7). Mental capability tests are ran to prove that the patient is mentally stable and capable of making the decision themselves (Coster 24). After the tests are inspected by medical professionals to determine the patient rational, the next safe guard is put into action. All patients considering euthanasia must make at least two spoken and one written request stating their wishes. At the time of the spoken requests, two non-family witnesses must be present to ensure no fake wills are created (Coster 25). Another precaution taken is putting age guidelines in place. A patient who is twelve years of age can request euthanasia, but parental consent must be granted. To request euthanasia without parental permission the patient must be at least eighteen years

A study done in 2007 estimated that at least fourth-one percent of the population in the United States has a living will (Coster 25). A living will is a document that states your plan for treatment if you are dying, including the request of euthanasia. Pro-euthanasia supporters argue that a living will gives the patient an opportunity to say how they want to go, even if the patient is incapable of communicating their wishes (Snyder 10). Supporters believe that it is wrong to keep a patient alive by hospital machines and medicines because that is prolonging the person’s death and bringing about more suffering. Patients who are living in a vegetative state cannot see, hear, or communicate, or feed themselves. By keeping a patient who is in a vegetative state alive, thousands of dollars in medical bills are piling up that will become stressful for the patient’s family to pay off (Coster 16). The medicine required for euthanasia on average cost less than fifty dollars, whereas medical care can cost over a thousand times more (Coster 21). If a patient has written their request for euthanasia in their living will, then they should be granted their wishes and rights. In contrast, opponents of euthanasia argue that doctors should not practice euthanasia, even if the patient has requested it through their living will. Opponents claim that a healthy person cannot fathom how they would feel on their deathbed