Euthanasia

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the Catholic Church and many other pro-life and religious groups believe that it is morally wrong to end the suffering of another human being. The author points out that, on the other hand, the utilitarian principle of the "greatest good" applies to the morality argument in favor of euthanasia because passive euthanasia is the greatest good for the largest number of suffering terminally ill patients. The paper stresses that the greatest good principle does not apply legally; therefore, so euthanasia in any form continues to be illegal (except in well documented cases in Oregon). Annotated bibliography included.

From the Paper:

"In most cases of euthanasia, there are also ethics involved - the ethics of the medical profession, and their fear of retribution, since euthanasia is not an accepted legal practice, except in the state of Oregon, where they have had a "Death with Dignity" Act for five years. Most doctors fear legal reprisals from family members who did not agree with the euthanasia, or even hospital officials. "An additional obstacle to withdrawing therapy that has already begun is a fear of legal liability. Many worry that stopping treatment, even when ethically justifiable, will constitute wrongful killing.""

More papers on Euthanasia:

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• Argumentative Essay # 3150 : "Justifying Euthanasia"

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