Discursive Essay:

Euthanasia

   The term ‘Euthanasia’ comes from the Greek word for

‘easy death’. It is the one of the most public policy

issues being debated about today. Formally called ‘mercy

killing’, euthanasia is the act of purposely making or

helping someone die, instead of allowing nature to take

it’s course. Basically euthanasia means killing in the

name of compassion. Euthanasia, can be, ‘passive’ or

‘active’.

Positive involves taking deliberate action to cause a

death.

Active involves giving a lethal dose of toxicant to cause

death.

   

    Euthanasia, at the moment is illegal throughout the

world apart from in the State of Oregon in USA, where

there is a law specifically allowing doctors to prescribe

lethal drugs for the purpose of euthanasia. In the

Netherlands it is practiced widely, although, in fact, it

remains illegal.

Many people would say a person would want to “die with

dignity”, but some people may spend the last moments of

their life, in a way which to them, is undignified.

Having the right to control over their own life and death

helps people keep human dignity in the face of their

suffering.  

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    Another popular argument is that people should not be

left lingering in pain. They should not have to suffer

when death is inevitable. People do have the right to

commit suicide, although most of the time it is a tragic

and individual act. However euthanasia is not suicide. It

is not always a private act, meaning a person could have

the support of his/her family or friends.

    Many people argue, however, that a person who is

terminally ill may make a miraculous recovery - it has

happened ...

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