Active Euthanasia

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how one of the most controversial debates to concern the medical profession in recent decades is that of physician assisted suicide, or active euthanasia. It examines how among the multitude of issues and complex arguments that surround the debate, there is one fundamental human right that must be acknowledged, that the individual and not society, has ultimate control over his/her future. It evaluates how when applied to the issue of active suicide, the individual relies on the assistance of a physician in carrying out his/her personal wishes and it is this physician-assistance that draws a great deal of criticism from opponents. It shows how many of the arguments against active suicide are centered upon the area of regulation and potential abuse. It analyzes how in the interest of ensuring the individual's right to self-determination and in order to ensure that active suicide occurs in an environment of security and safety, physicians must be allowed to prescribe lethal doses or combinations of drugs to assist terminally ill patients in suicide.

From the Paper:

"Another common argument used to oppose active euthanasia is that, if legalized, there is a great risk of the number of assisted deaths spiraling out of control, with an added danger of unscrupulous families or physicians abusing the system. This "slippery slope" theory owes more to atrocities committed by Hitler's Nazi regime, than to any objective or empirical evidence. The number of people requesting physician-assisted euthanasia would be as small as that which currently persuades others to act illegally in order to ease their suffering. Such an argument displays a frighteningly high level of paranoia, and worryingly low level of faith in the individual's desire for life and in the integrity of the medical profession."

More papers on Active Euthanasia:

• Analytical Essay # 135777 : "Ethics of Passive and Active Euthanasia"
• Argumentative Essay # 2627 : "Active Euthanasia is Necessary"
• Argumentative Essay # 62272 : "Active Euthanasia"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: