Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the intentional termination of life by another at the request of the person who dies. Although it is legal in Holland, it is illegal throughout the UK and is an extremely controversial topic often discussed in the media. When it is being debated it is essential to address all the issues and arguments for and against, religious and non-religious, as all the churches oppose it strongly.
There are very many points against euthanasia. The first is that life is a gift from God and only he can take it away. This is obviously a strong religious argument that many people feel cannot be argued against, as any gift from God should be treasured. Some people also argue that there are many pain-killing drugs that will relieve the patients suffering and that at the time the patient may not be able to make a rational decision or may change their minds but be incapable of expressing this to a doctor. Older people may feel they are becoming a burden upon their families and other people and opt for euthanasia although they may actually want to continue living. It also means that the relationship of trust between doctors and patients is put at risk as it goes against the Hippocratic Oath that doctors must try to preserve life. Some people argue that if there were better facilities for caring for the dying there would be no need for euthanasia. Euthanasia is also seen to devalue life and can be said to be the first step on a "slippery slope."
Euthanasia is the intentional termination of life by another at the request of the person who dies. Although it is legal in Holland, it is illegal throughout the UK and is an extremely controversial topic often discussed in the media. When it is being debated it is essential to address all the issues and arguments for and against, religious and non-religious, as all the churches oppose it strongly.
There are very many points against euthanasia. The first is that life is a gift from God and only he can take it away. This is obviously a strong religious argument that many people feel cannot be argued against, as any gift from God should be treasured. Some people also argue that there are many pain-killing drugs that will relieve the patients suffering and that at the time the patient may not be able to make a rational decision or may change their minds but be incapable of expressing this to a doctor. Older people may feel they are becoming a burden upon their families and other people and opt for euthanasia although they may actually want to continue living. It also means that the relationship of trust between doctors and patients is put at risk as it goes against the Hippocratic Oath that doctors must try to preserve life. Some people argue that if there were better facilities for caring for the dying there would be no need for euthanasia. Euthanasia is also seen to devalue life and can be said to be the first step on a "slippery slope."
