Why Is Euthanasia Ethically Wrong?

One of the most pressing areas of contemporary bioethics research, the practice of euthanasia, is rushing to the forefront of current issue debates today. Euthanasia, a word derived from the Greek meaning “good” or “easy” and the Greek word for “death,” refers to the practice of a person killing another due to that individual being terminally ill, disable, elderly, or suffering in some capacity. It is the intentional killing, by act or omission, of another in a seemingly humane way, free from pain, and is therefore often referred to as a “mercy killing.” As this debate surges into courts across the world as more foreign countries and states legalize euthanasia, two worldviews emerge concerning this act’s morality. The first is comprised

Individuals on this end of the spectrum hold the value judgment that, because of factors such as the patient’s choice, compassion, and dignity, euthanasia is good and morally right. This worldview’s perspective on the value and viability of life is predominantly held by individuals who do not believe in a higher authority or author of life and therefore hold a very subjective and hedonistic moral stance. On the opposing side, the antithesis of this argument follows that euthanasia is the intentional murder of an individual and is therefore ethically and morally wrong. Individuals who fall into this category normally hold a theistic worldview, specifically a biblically based understanding of the value of human life and worth and the omnipotence of a higher being, or God. Out of this worldview stems the argument against

Why should our loved ones be forced to live if their suffering appears unbearable? Would it not be more humane to give people a painless death instead of forcing them to live with a lower quality of life? This then introduces a debate on what qualifies as a low enough quality of life to warrant euthanasia. However, the real flaw in this debate is of the purpose of suffering. Life is sacred, and suffering is purposeful. Even in the midst of suffering, God has a purpose and a plan beyond what can be seen. Romans 8:28 claims that God works everything together for good in the lives of those who love Him, even suffering, pain, and hardships. Joseph, for example, endured great suffering and pain, physically and emotionally, throughout his slavery and imprisonment. However, in Genesis 50:20, it is declared that even what others meant for evil and harm, God meant for good. God’s power is made perfect in the weakness of mankind (2 Cor. 12:9) and His light shines brightest through the cracks of life. Even His miracles are best witnessed through extreme suffering, pain, and even death. For example, the resurrection of Lazarus was a greater testimony to the power of Jesus because of the absolute hopelessness and pain of the situation. By removing suffering through euthanasia, we are removing one of the most beautiful opportunities for pictures of Christ we have in