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Euthanasia

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Euthanasia

Introduction

Responses regarding euthanasia differ amongst various people in the society. Individuals have unambiguous opinion while talking in favor of euthanasia. Such responses may be influenced by one's understanding of what euthanasia are, their religious and spiritual beliefs or systems or any other factor related to their personal experience of ending life willfully. Hence, this review will discuss present and historical perspective of euthanasia and its pro side disclosures so that it can provide context for future development in this area.

Discussion

Euthanasia is a Greek term meaning, easy death or good dying, which is at present commonly associated with mercy killing. Catholic regards mercy killing as a direct or active euthanasia. Their official teachings regarding active euthanasia as an act that constitutes a murder contrary to the dignity of human and respect of the Creator. Active or direct euthanasia is different from voluntary and indirect euthanasia. In catholic moral teachings passive or indirect euthanasia is consider to be ethical. On the contrary, active euthanasia was treated unethical and murder (Pakes, pp.76). Direct euthanasia has its roots deep in human history. It was a commonly practiced by ancient Greece and later by Rome but, Hippocratic School of medical ethics physicians were not in favor of euthanasia. In their view, giving deadly drug or even making a suggestion in this regard is a sin in eyes of Lord. Practice of euthanasia was reduced as advent of Christianity that taught humanity and human life as a gift of God. Later developments in the field of anesthesiology evolved the concept of a good death in nineteen century. It advocated the use of drugs to end life of people suffering or painful illness (Humphry, pp 35-40). In United States supporters of euthanasia began active campaigns in some states for euthanasia legalization. Various medical societies opposed euthanasia and claimed it an unlawful and unethical act of people, while very less ethical arguments were employed by the regions communities. Pro euthanasia regimes became more popular in 1975 when New Jersey Supreme Court approved removal of ventilator form Karen Ann Quinlan who intentionally consumed tranquilizers with alcohol and survived for nine years in a president vegetative state. Although, the Vatican's 1980 Declaration on euthanasia supported Catholic perception of mercy killing and affirmed opposition of euthanasia (Verhage ,pp. 961). Despite of this social and religious antagonism, Netherlands became the first nation to pass legislation in favor of euthanasia in April 2001. This legislation give right to doctors to end life of those patients who are in state of unbearable suffering, which have sought a second opinion and are aware of all other medical options. This legislation made several other countries abide euthanasia. Switzerland, Colombia and Belgium become part of this legislation sustaining euthanasia (Perrett, pp.309).

The Movement to Legalize Euthanasia

Euthanasia was hardly a subject of discussion after World War II but, things began to change by late sixties. In early seventies, organizations were established by the proponents of voluntary euthanasia to promote their views ...