Keeping people alive by machine is not life in a true sense.
Euthanasia would allow people to die with dignity
Relatives would not have to watch them die a long and painful death
Animals are not allowed to suffer. The same compassion should be shown to humans.
Arguments against Euthanasia
Christians believe god is the giver of life and therefore only god may end it.
Christians believe that suffering is a way of strengthening faith.
Euthanasia goes against the commandment “Do not kill”
God may have plans for people even when their life does not feel worth living.
The doctors diagnosis may be wrong.
The old and disabled might feel that they should accept euthanasia to avoid being a burden to their family.
Is euthanasia legal? (Rhetorical question)
Euthanasia is not legal in the UK at the moment, although it is legal in Holland and has been for a while and Holland is very happy with how it is working out.
Organisations
Dignity for dying is a large organisation that aims to secure the right for everyone to be able to die with dignity at the end of there life. They are trying to make it legal for doctors to commit euthanasia. Terminally ill people can contact the organization and they will raise the issues with the government. They have worked alongside famous euthanasia cases like the Diane Pretty case.
What do Christians think?
Christians believe that it is wrong to kill yourself, so they do not believe in euthanasia. It says in Romans 14:8 If we live, we live to the lord, If we die, we die to the lord. So whether we live or die we belong to the lord.
What do Hindus believe?
Hindus have a contrasting view, they believe euthanasia is right. They believe that the soul survives death and can never be harmed and they also believe in Ahisha (non violence).
Facts and Figures
A survey in 1994 showed that over ten percent of doctors are already helping patients to die secretly.
79% of British people think that Euthanasia should be legal when you are about to die.
About five percent of terminal pain is uncontrollable
In 2006 1 in 7 doctors admitted to taking active steps in helping a patient to die.
My opinion
I have a split opinion. I agree with both sides of the argument but I think I believe that it should be legalised. I believe that people should have a right to end their life if they are in a lot of pain. I know if I was seriously ill I would like to die a peaceful death, as I’m sure many of you here would to although I can see the dangers of making euthanasia legal. I believe that if Euthanasia was to be made legal then you there should be some precautions for instance you should have to have at least two opinions on whether the person is ready for euthanasia.
Thank you for listening is there any questions?
