The Nationwide Legalization of Euthanasia essays

The Nationwide Legalization of Euthanasia essays In today's society there are many disagreements about the rights and wrongs of euthanasia. Although death is unavoidable for human beings, suffering before death is unbearable, not only for terminal patients, but for the family members and friends. So what is the solution? How can we ease the suffering of those whose death is both impending and imminent. The answer, Euthanasia. Euthanasia comes from the Greek word `Thanatos' meaning death and the prefix `eu' meaning easy or good (Russell 94). Thus, `eu- Thanatos meaning easy or good death. Euthanasia is clearly better choice for terminal patients than suicide. The question is however, is it morally, ethically, and socially right. In our society, suicide is always traumatic for families and friends. If there is no alternative to relieve the suffering of terminal patients, then the more humane option to suicide is euthanasia. This is not the only option however, "An option for people that are unsure of euthanasia is called DNR or do not resuscitate" (McCuen 2). This means that if the patient has a heart attack or another potentially fatal problem in the hospital, "the doctors are told to perform a `No Code' which means that they should let the patient die peacefully with any amount of painkillers or medication requested by the patient" (McCuen 3). Doctors that are treating a dying patient should treat them with care. They should make them as comfortable as possible and give them medication to dull their pain. Let's not forget that a doctor, or physician's job is to ease suffering. Instructors tell doctors in training to treat dying patients as people, `that are alive but just that their death is more imminent than our own'(Moroney 2). Many families could rest easy possessing the knowledge that their relative is being treated well, and is receiving the necessary attention. A lot of terminal patients decide to sign DNR forms or, re...