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Why Is Euthanasia Ethically Wrong

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Euthanasia is a very controversial subject. People have very strong opinions of both sides of this topic. Euthanasia is defined as “death carried out by doctor (with patient’s permission) to relieve a patient’s extreme pain.” This term from the Greek words “eu” meaning good and “thanatos” meaning death (Humphrey). It is a choice for a patient and/or their family in tough situations on whether the person wants to stay alive or not. In society, more people think it’s incorrect for doctors to assist in patient deaths. However, some people feel that if the patient is in horrendous pain, that it is morally correct to help him or her. Proponents believe unquestionably that it is ethically correct because it is a way of relieving extreme pain, is a freedom of choice for the patient, and provides funds to become …show more content…

The practice is carried out by one of two methods: standard euthanasia, assisted death carried out by the doctor, and assisted suicide, where the doctor can prescribe the deadly dose, but the patient must take the dose themselves (“Euthanasia Law”). In either case, the patient has full control of the decision which can give the patient the opportunity to change his or her mind at the last moment if they choose to do so. This control should not be withheld simply because some do not see it as ethical, especially if there are patients who would opt for this choice. In a U.K. study published by the Journal of Medical Ethics, it was shown that most terminally ill patients believed that the choice to receive euthanasia was a right, and believed that a change in the law was necessary (Chapple). As patients have an active role in making and planning their plan of care throughout their lives, they should also be free to have an active role in their death as well. In cases of a terminal illness, which usually comes with debilitating pain, this is especially

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