Euthanasia
Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing or assisted suicide, is the act of intentionally ending the life of a person to relieve their pain and suffering. It can be classified into two main types: active euthanasia, where a person’s life is actively ended by administering a lethal dose of medication, and passive euthanasia, where life-sustaining treatment is withheld or withdrawn to allow the person to die (ALFRED CIOFFI, 2019).
From a medical or generic perspective, euthanasia is seen as a way to provide relief for patients who are suffering from incurable diseases or unbearable pain. It is often considered in cases where the patient’s quality of life is severely compromised, and there is no hope for improvement. The goal is to alleviate the suffering and allow the person to die with dignity.
However, from a bioethical standpoint, euthanasia raises complex moral and ethical questions. Many argue that it goes against the principles of autonomy and the sanctity of life (Wenger, 2023). The decision to end a person’s life, even with their consent, raises concerns about the potential for abuse, coercion, and the slippery slope towards involuntary euthanasia.
The concept of pain and suffering is profoundly intertwined with faith and religion. Different religious beliefs offer varying perspectives on suffering. For instance, in Christianity, suffering is seen as a way to unite with Christ’s suffering and find spiritual growth. In Buddhism, suffering is considered an inherent part of life, and the goal is to find liberation from it through enlightenment. In Islam, suffering is seen as a test from God, and patience and faith are emphasized as ways to endure it.
Physician-Assisted Suicide
Physician-assisted suicide or death (PAS/PAD) refers to the situation where a doctor provides the means for a patient to end their own life, usually through the prescription of lethal medication. It differs from euthanasia in that the patient takes an active role in ending their life, rather than the doctor directly administering the lethal dose.
The ethical considerations surrounding PAS/PAD are similar to those of euthanasia. Advocates argue that individuals should have the right to decide when and how to end their own lives, especially when faced with terminal illness and unbearable suffering. They believe that autonomy and self-determination should be respected and that it is a compassionate choice to allow people to die on their terms.
Alternatives to Physician-Assisted Suicide
Hospice care and palliative care are alternatives to PAS/PAD that focus on providing comfort and support for terminally ill patients. Hospice care is a holistic approach that aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It provides pain management, symptom control, and emotional support, focusing on dignity and comfort in the final stages of life.
Palliative care, on the other hand, can be provided alongside curative treatment. It focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. It aims to alleviate pain and suffering and provides emotional and spiritual support.
Terminal sedation is another alternative that involves the administration of sedatives to relieve intractable pain and suffering in the final stages of life. It is ethically permissible because the intention is to relieve suffering rather than hasten death.
The Role of Hemlock Society, Jacob Kevorkian, and Britanny Maynard in the Ethical Debate
The Hemlock Society, Jacob Kevorkian, and Brittany Maynard are notable figures in the debate surrounding euthanasia and PAS/PAD. The Hemlock Society, now known as Compassion & Choices, is an organization that advocates for the right to die with dignity and provides information and support for individuals considering end-of-life options.
Dr. Jack Kevorkian, also known as “Dr. Death,” was a physician who gained notoriety for his involvement in assisted suicide cases in the 1990s. He assisted in the deaths of numerous terminally ill patients, sparking a national debate on the ethics of euthanasia and PAS/PAD. Brittany Maynard was a young woman diagnosed with terminal brain cancer who became a prominent advocate for the right to die. She moved to Oregon, where PAS is legal, and ended her life with the assistance of a physician.
References
ALFRED CIOFFI. (2019). BIO 603 EUTH PAS 3 30 19 [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Wenger, J. P. (2023). EUTHANASIA AND ASSISTED SUICIDE: The right to die in dignity. MB Cooltura.