Voluntary Euthanasia

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at arguments presented on both sides of the debate about euthanasia. The reasons some fear not legalizing euthanasia, as well as the reasons some fear the legalization of euthanasia, are discussed ,and the solutions that each side proposes to address those fears are explained. The paper also presents a brief history of euthanasia and the different prevailing attitudes toward its practice. Finally, the author of this paper suggests that, in actuality, the issues both sides are concerned with are not that different. On the contrary, they are quite similar and can best be addressed by simultaneously decriminalizing suicide, and necessarily assisted suicide, while increasing enforcement of involuntary euthanasia laws and malpractice penalties.

From the Paper:

"Euthanasia by doctors has been considered bad form since the beginning of Western medicine. In 400 BC the Hippocratic Oath stated "I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel". Through-out English and American common law, assisting or counseling suicide was considered both illegal and immoral. However, euthanasia and suicide have been treated with more respect at other points in history and by other people. Many more native people, including the ancient Spartans, have believed that abandoning certain ill or malformed infants was acceptable. (Of course, that is a far cry from the voluntary euthanasia anyone supports today, and might be closer related to the abortion issue) It was also more common for the ill and dying to seek hemlock solutions and kill themselves. Certain Native American tribes even found it noble for dying elders to leave the camp and seek their deaths where they would not be a burden. Even being shamed and losing one's honor was in many cultures (including the Greek and Japanese) an adequate reason for assisted or individual suicide. Christianity changed all that to a great degree with the insistence that all suicides go to hell, and all those who assist as well. That idea, as indicated by the Priests for Life organization, continues to influence us today."

More papers on Voluntary Euthanasia:

• Research Paper # 52692 : "Voluntary Euthanasia in the United Kingdom"
• Argumentative Essay # 48788 : "Voluntary Euthanasia"
• Analytical Essay # 45057 : "Voluntary Euthanasia"

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