Paper Summary:

This paper describes euthanasia as the deliberate termination of life with the assistance of another person at the request of the individual who wishes to cease existence. In discussing euthanasia, the author explains how the advancement in technology and medical procedures has made it particularly problematic to precisely set conditions which determine whether an individual is dead or alive and as such makes it difficult to justify mercy killing as euthanasia is so often called. The paper distinguishes between active euthanasia and passive euthanasia as well as voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. Cautioning that euthanasia opens up the possibility of corruption against physicians and that it goes against the fundamental medicinal belief of healing, the author urges that as new medical discoveries emerges, treatment for so-said incurable illnesses might be just right round the corner. Euthanasia as a choice should be administered with utmost care, and in close, the paper advocates that euthanasia should not be seen as an acceptable means of exiting this world.

From the Paper:

"One should awaken thankful of the expectations of this life despite a reality filled by monotony, anguish and pain and enjoy it for what is it as the last moments are so precious and it is at that time that we realize how life has been wonderful. The deliberate annihilation of our existence by intentional means is debauched and also a dilemma that raises genuine ethical concerns for society that cannot be ignored. The concept of euthanasia, and its various forms, contradicts medicine ideology while providing a gateway for corruption and abuse as its legislation is a matter affecting each person part of this world."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Beauchamp, Tom L. "Euthanasia." Microsoft(r) Student 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.
• "Oregon Death With Dignity Act." Oregon Department Of Human Services. 31 Oct. 2006. 5 Dec. 2007 <http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pas/faqs.shtml>
• Doig, Christopher. "Withholding Life-Sustaining Treatment: Are Adolescents Competent To Make These Decisions?" Canadian Medical Association Journal 162 (2000). 5 Dec. 2007 <http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/reprint/162/11/1585.pdf>
• Canada. Statistics Canada. "Selected Leading Causes By Death, By Sex" Statistics Canada: Health Statistics Division. 17 Feb. 2005. 5 Dec. 2007 <http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/health36.htm>
• Verhagen, Eduard and Pieter J. J. Sauer. "The Groningen Protocol - Euthanasia in Severely Ill Newborns." New England Journal of Medicine. 352. (10 Mar. 2005): 959-962 <http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/352/10/959>

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