Mercy Killing Essay, Research Paper
Mercy Killing or Just Plain Killing: The Euthanasia Debate
For as long as people have been around, we have been dying. While this very well may seem to be pointing out the obvious, so many of us forget that we, as humans, are mortal beings. Our life span is definitely finite, and it should be. Just think what would happen if nobody ever died. Even though we are mortal, we try to hang onto our lives as long as we can. Fear of death and wanting to live forever are, after all, part of human nature. Sometimes, however, medicine takes advantage of this aspect of humanity and, to a great extent, capitalizes on it. While it is certainly true that one goal of medicine has always been to prolong life, another goal has been the alleviation of pain and suffering. One point at which these two views collide, often violently, is over the hotly debated issue of euthanasia.
Euthanasia, or mercy killing, as it has been called, is certainly not an issue with just two sides, there are many side to it. Euthanasia, after all, ranges from simply allowing an individual to die naturally without life support or pulling the plug (passive euthanasia), all the way to Jack Kevorkian s suicide machine (active euthanasia). To complicate things further, there is also voluntary euthanasia, Cases in which patient requests to be killed, and dies as a result of action taken by another person, involuntary euthanasia; cases in which no action is requested because the patient is unconscious, senile, or otherwise incapable of making a request, but the person is allowed to die or is killed, and nonvoluntary euthanasia; cases in which a conscious, terminally ill patient states that they do not want to die, but is allowed to die or is killed anyway (valdosta.peachnet.edu). While an individual may advocate one form of euthanasia, it is not uncommon for the same person to be completely against another form. There are cases in which euthanasia is wrong, especially cases involving conscious people who are not really in a lot of pain, seeking death. In these cases, some kind of counseling would make a lot more sense than just accepting that these people think they need to die and therefore should. On the other hand, there are also certainly cases where euthanasia is a less painful alternative to what may otherwise lie ahead. In most of these cases, the disease will end up killing the individual anyway, so why prolong pain by putting people with incurable illnesses on life support? After all, as stated before, one of the main goals of medicine is to alleviate pain and suffering. If there is no cure to an illness, and the treatments, as well as the disease are painful, why put the individual, and the family, through financial and emotional anguish?
One problem many of the opponents of euthanasia have with such mercy killing is that it is killing, and, to many, this constitutes murder. To murder, however, by definition, is to kill brutally or inhumanly, (American Heritage Dictionary.) It is possible that very few of the mercy killings that have occurred over the years have been murder; however, suicide would probably be a better word. After all, it is, in most cases, the individual with the disease is the one who make the final decision. Furthermore, is it brutal or inhuman to end somebody s life when it is clear that the life they are living is a life of pain and suffering? By the dictionary definition of murder, it seems that forcing someone to die in pain rather than trying to do something about this would be closer to murder.
Another issue involves how natural these things are; on the one hand, euthanasia, especially active euthanasia, seems unnatural, on the other, so do some other medical procedures. It is not exactly natural, after all to keep somebody alive with all kinds of tubes running in and out of his or her body. Here is where the distinction between illnesses and afflictions that can be healed or cured and ones that cannot becomes important. There is a large difference between somebody who wants to die because he gets in a car accident and breaks a few bones, and someone who wants to die because she has terminal cancer and will die a painful death anyway.
Of course, there are some arguments for the elimination of euthanasia alltogether. Euthanasia is killing; there is no question about it. Even the New England Journal of Medicine admits this; Dr. Ronald Cranford, one of the authors of a report saying that it is moral to give patients information on suicide, publicly acknowledges that this is “the same as killing the patient, (ieatf). In addition, keeping a deathly ill relative or friend on life support can make the transition between life and death much easier for loved ones. That is, instead of having all at once to get used to having a relative or friend not be around physically or mentally, acknowledging such a reality is a gradual transition. Also, it is much easier on the minds of family members and friends for them to know they did all they could to save their dying loved one. It is easy to see how somebody could feel responsible for their loved one s death having allowed doctors to euthanise him or her. Furthermore, if assisted suicide becomes widely accepted, there will undoubtedly be a lot more people dying this way. In Holland, for example, where laws against assisted suicide are largely ignored and rarely enforced, 25,300 cases of assisted suicide occur each year This represents 19.4% of all deaths, (McCord, 22). This is a frightening statistic, which should certainly be considered, along with the previously mentioned facts, when debating the issue of euthanasia.
While it may seem rather out of place in this issue, money certainly is an integral part of the argument for euthanasia. Keeping somebody alive on life support is extremely expensive; About 80% of one s lifetime medical expenses are incurred in the last three weeks of life mostly because of the high costs of life support and intensive care says Pallone, (35). It just does not make much sense to force family members or even insurance companies to pay to keep someone alive when that person is in so much pain that she wishes to die anyway. Especially in the case of terminal illnesses such as cancer, there is absolutely no reason to force people to suffer and die, rather than to just die peacefully.
Yet another issue within euthanasia is the right of the individual to choose when, where and how to die. There are a lot of people who would much rather pass away at home peacefully than to have all kinds of doctors and nurses standing around them. They would much rather die in the comfort of their own bed, away from all the lights, sounds, tubes and hoses of the hospital. While this where aspect of death is relatively uncontroversial, the right of the individual to choose how and when to die is much more hotly debated. It is, after all, the when and how of death over which Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the so-called suicide doctor, attempts to give his patients control. While supporters of Kevorkian and his methods claim that assisted suicide, or active euthanasia, allows people to exercise their God-given right to control their death, opponents say that Kevorkian is playing God. That is, he is trying to control things that people were never meant to control. Now Kevorkian faces Murder for the killing of a person on national television. So Should every case of Euthanasia be Murder? I believe that in some cases it isnt but most cases should be murder, like what Kevorkian has been doing. If I have a family member in serious pain and agony and they are going to die sooner or later, if they ask me to pull the plug, I am going to do it. That in my opinion is not murder.
Death is one of the most feared and dreaded events that human beings ever have to go through. This is probably the main reason that Euthanasia is so controversial. It is human nature for us to try and prolong our lives as long as possible, and, through medicine, we have prolonged them quite a bit. It is important to remember, nevertheless, that sometimes while attempting to fight death, we lose sight of the best interests of the individuals whose lives we are affecting. Are these people not the most qualified people to make this decision? It is, after all, their lives that hang in the balance.
Works Cited
Murder American Heritage Dictionary on CD-ROM, 1991.
Internet: Http://www.ieatf.McCord, William.
Internet: Http://valdosta.peachnet.edu.
Moral Dilemmas. Society 29 July-August 1992: 22.
Pallone, Nathaniel. Society 29 July-August 1992: 35.
Другие работы по теме:
Euthanasia Essay Research Paper Is euthanasia the
Euthanasia Essay, Research Paper Is euthanasia the mercy killing of someone who is in extreme pain in order to end suffering, an immoral or amoral act? Simply put, it is an immoral act even though it is intended to help another person. It is assisting in killing another human being, and ending their existence.
The Killing Of Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Essay
, Research Paper The Killing of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Hamlet’s own Philosophic view. In terms of Hamlet’s own philosophic view, the killing of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is very out-of-character. Hamlet is an intellectual, and therefore believes that killing is not a necessary solution (this could also relate to why he hesitates so long at killing Claudius).
The Sacrifice Essay Research Paper Aspects of
The Sacrifice Essay, Research Paper Aspects of Killing in The Sacrifice To kill does not only mean to take ones life, but instead it also carries the meaning of ending an important factor in ones life. Killing also has a lot of other meanings, but the main factor of killing leads to death there are many more the author Adele Wiseman displays the many different aspects to kill in the novel The Sacrifice, by dealing with a lot of situations that would kill an individuals heart. (I.e.
True Cristian Kindness Merchant Of Venice Essay
, Research Paper True Christian Kindenss? The word kind can be defined as sympathetic and generous or natural, following one s nature. The term mercy combines these ideas into a fitting idea in the play. Mercy can be defined as kind and considerate treatment that you show someone, especially when you forgive them or do not punish them.
Shark Killing Essay Research Paper Among some
Shark Killing Essay, Research Paper Among some of the most wasteful reasons to hunt in the world I?d have to say that besides the killing of elephants for their tusks, this is on top of the list
Good Paper Essay Research Paper Theseus and
Good Paper Essay, Research Paper Theseus and Heracles were very similar characters in mythology. In this paper I plan to point out these similarities, and also tell what is different between them. First of all, Theseus and Heracles were both well know for their strength and hero-like attitudes. They were well known for helping people, or places, out from certain evils such as Theseus killing the Minotaur so that the tributes to it would cease.
Euthanasia Essay Research Paper Jason Adams
Euthanasia Essay, Research Paper Jason Adams Adams1 October 15, 1998 Mrs. Faulk English Per.4Euthanasia Euthanasia should be legal, because if it is their life, therefore, they have the right to be able to end their suffering. Euthanasia was formerly called Mercy killing . Euthanasia means intentionally making someone decease rather then allowing that person to die naturally.
Madame Liang Essay Essay Research Paper Madame
Madame Liang Essay Essay, Research Paper Madame Liang essay In the book Three Daughters of Madame Liang there is a big emphasis on art. Art played a big role in the liver of the four main women in the novel. Joy, Madame Liang, Mercy, and Grace without art these four women’s lives would have been drastically changed.
Euthanasia 2 Essay Research Paper EuthanasiaPublic opinion
Euthanasia 2 Essay, Research Paper EuthanasiaPublic opinion for euthanasia and doctor assisted suicide hasalways been mixed. A poll that was taken by the Gallup Organizationin Canada during July 1995 proves that people are starting to see theadvantages of euthanasia. The first question that was asked was: When a person has an incurable disease that isimmediately life threatening and causes that personto experience great suffering, do you, or do you notthink that competent doctors should be allowed bylaw to end the patient s life through mercy killing, ifthe patient has made a formal request in writing? It is proven in this first question that the general public believesthat cases of great pain and suffering deserve the right to chooseeuthanasia as an option to stop the pain.
Killing Mr Griffin Essay Research Paper Killing
Killing Mr. Griffin Essay, Research Paper Killing Mr. Griffin In the book Killing Mr. Griffin two of the students are involved are Susan and Betsy. I believe that Susan was a much stronger character of the two. I believe this because Susan seems to has a higher moral sense and doesn t need people to think she is cute and wonderful like Betsy does.
Just Murder Essay Research Paper George took
Just Murder? Essay, Research Paper George took care of Lennie throughout the book, and in events previous to those mentioned in the book. Lennie’s strength caused him trouble, when Lennie did the “Bad Thing” that ended another human being’s life, and at that point, many changes took place. Lennie faced severe punishment of some kind, and the rest of his life would have been anything but enjoyable, regardless of the form of punishment that he received.
Euthanasia Essay Research Paper EuthanasiaEuthanasia is just
Euthanasia Essay, Research Paper Euthanasia Euthanasia is just another word for ?mercy killing? as some people put it but it also means good death. I look at it as more of a good death if it is performed with the right procedures and if a person has a legitimate reason to be put to death but many people would not agree with me that it should be legal.
Euthanasia Essay Research Paper Euthanasia killing life
Euthanasia Essay, Research Paper Euthanasia- killing life painlessly to end suffering, mercy killing. This pratice was traced back as far as the Greek and Roman times. As time passed religion increased and life was viewed as sacred. All forms of Euthanasia was/is now considered wrong. In the year of 1935 a group of doctors formed the first Voluntary Euthanasia Society in London.
Hitler 2
Hitler – “mercy Killing” Essay, Research Paper In October of 1939 amid the turmoil of the outbreak of war Hitler ordered widespread “mercy killing” of the sick and disabled. Code named “Aktion T 4,” the Nazi euthanasia program to eliminate “life unworthy of life” at first focused on newborns and very young children.
Mercy Killing
– Of Mice And Men Essay, Research Paper Mercy Killing In the book Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck, two men travel together to escape their pasts. They arrive at a ranch in the Salinas Valley with hopes to achieve their ultimate dream; to buy a place to call their own. Lennie, who is a simple-minded man, and George, who is just a typical guy are brought together and make a lasting friendship out of the loneliness of each man.
Killing Or Saving All About Euthanasia Essay
, Research Paper KILLING OR SAVING? Euthanasia involves the act of killing for reasons of mercy to the terminally ill and hopelessly injured. It also means causing someone to die instead of allowing him or her to die naturally. Two kinds of euthanasia exist: active euthanasia, in which a person s actions speed up the death of another person, and passive euthanasia, in which death occurs from inaction or the withholding of care.
What Is Wrong With Killing Essay Research
Paper What is wrong with Killing? Apparently, the killing of human beings whether people accept it or not, exists within our ever growing society. Obviously it’s against the law, however does this make it wrong? The answer to this question is no. From a religious perspective killing another individual is wrong.
Mercy Killing Essay Research Paper To start
Mercy Killing Essay, Research Paper To start my essay on mercy killing, I must say, there are too many situations to just have one opinion on the matter. Mercy killing, or the correct term Euthanasia , is currently illegal in Canada. Though activists keep trying to legalize it, it will be a long time before anything happens.
The Power Of Mercy Essay Research Paper
The idea of mercy is important in The Merchant of Venice because it provides a focus for the contrast between Venetian Christian society and the alien invader, represented by Shylock. Mercy occupies a “central” position in the trial scene (IV.i.), where the power struggle between aristocratic Venetian society and the threatening force Shylock comes to a climax.
Latimer Essay Research Paper On Sunday October
Latimer Essay, Research Paper On Sunday, October 24, 1993, Robert Latimer killed his daughter, Tracy Latimer. Robert Latimer placed Tracy in his truck and ran a hose from the exhaust pipe into the cab of the truck. Tracy was killed by carbon monoxide poisoning and Robert Latimer confessed to the murder. What makes this case so unique and debated is that Tracy Latimer had cerebral palsy.
Grendel 2 Essay Research Paper GrendelThought out
Grendel 2 Essay, Research Paper Grendel Thought out the novel Grendel searched for some reason to why he existed and often wonders what meaning was there to life. He turned too many for these answers. Man, his mother, and the dragon, but no one could give Grendel the answer he was looking for.
Mice And Men Candys Dog Essay Research
Paper Mice and Men There is an abundance of characters in the story Of Mice and Men, and some characters may seem insignificant. One character that is very important, even though one may not think so, is Candy?s Dog. His role, although short and simple, is powerful, and this is apparent throughout the entire book.
Euthanasia Mercy Killing Essay Research Paper Euthanasia
Euthanasia Mercy Killing Essay, Research Paper Euthanasia mercy killingEuthanasia Sue Rodriguez has reminded us all of our own mortality and ourneed to think carefully about the kind of society we want to live and todie in. Sue Rodriguez was known through the media, and her well spokenand eloquent speeches.
Hamlet Hamlet Defeated By His Own Flaws
Essay, Research Paper Hamlet: Hamlet Defeated By His Own Flaws In William Shakespeare’s well known tragic play, Hamlet, the main character Hamlet is defeated by his own flaws. These flaws are the killing of
Killing Mr Essay Research Paper Killing Mr
Killing Mr Essay, Research Paper Killing Mr. Griffin I read the book Killing Mr. Griffin, by Lois Duncan. There was an English teacher, Mr. Griffin, which nobody liked. Especially one particular group of
Mercy Otis Warren Essay Research Paper Mercy
Mercy Otis Warren Essay, Research Paper Mercy Otis Warren Mercy Otis Warren was a pamphleteer, and a playwright who attacked the British government. She also fit time into be a wife and a mother to five sons, while writing a three volume book published in 1805 called The Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution, based on her first hand knowledge of the subject.
The Ark Of Mercy Essay Research Paper
THE ARK OF MERCY for Gretchen (written for actress Gretchen Wyler to celebrate the 12th Anniversary of the Ark Trust, a California based Animal Rights organization.)
Euthansia Article Analysis And Opinion Essay Research
Paper Euthanasia is the help with a death and is also known as ?mercy killing?. There are two types of Euthanasia: Active euthanasia and passive euthanasia. There is also active voluntary euthanasia and active involuntary euthanasia. Euthanasia is illegal in all states but Oregon, who passed a bill making it legal in 1994 under certain circumstances.
Killing For Sport Essay Research Paper ENGLISH
Killing For Sport Essay, Research Paper ENGLISH I . 1613 PAPER 7 KILLING FOR SPORT “Killing for Sport” by Joseph Wood Krutch is an opinionated work on the subject of hunting for sport. He uses rational appeals to press the point of the sportsman as having less to gain out of the killing than the liar, the thief, or the murderer.
Euthanasia Pro Con Catholic View Essay Research Paper Some
Euthanasia Pro+Con+Catholic View Essay, Research Paper Some have suggested that we legalize physician-assisted suicide in California. They argue that we should find death before it finds us, and that the right to die is the right-to-choose. They are supporting such an initiative because they fear that they will have to endure horrible pain and live out a life encompassed by absolute suffering.
Brief Look At Euthanasia Essay Research Paper 2
Brief Look At Euthanasia- Essay, Research Paper Brief Look at Euthanasia- Euthanasia is one of the most acute and uncomfortable contemporary problems in medical ethics. Is Euthanasia Ethical? The