Argumentative Paper Euthanasia

Should Euthanasia be legalized?

Because of remarkable advances in medical technology pharmacology that can artificially prolong a patient’s life,   the field of medical ethics has been confronted with a new controversy: the legalization of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. The word Euthanasia comes from the Greek word for “eus” which means godly or well, and “thanathos” which literally means death (F.A. Davis Company, 2001, p. 476). Before its contemporary use, the word euthanasia meant a peaceful, quiet way to depart from earth. However, in modern times, this concept has sparked an incredible controversy. Today, the word euthanasia also commonly, but wrongfully, used for the practices of physician-assisted suicide (PAS).   Advances in medical technology sometimes artificially prolong a patients suffering and deny them the right to a peaceful, quiet death.   Many terminally ill people, who suffer from tremendous physical and psychological pain, would rather opt to die humane and dignified than to be kept alive artificially. Such unnatural extension of a person’s anguish has lead to an increasing number of euthanasia supports, who view the practice of euthanasia as ways and means to a peaceful, dignified, humane and self determined death.   The most substantial argument of euthanasia and PAS supporters is that a human being should have the right to self determination and the freedom of choice when and how to end one’s own life. They also argue that certain practices, such as terminal sedation, are already commonly used and ethically and legally accepted. Proponents also condemn cultural and religious beliefs that forbid the practices of euthanasia and PAS. They argue that the right to die is a civil rights issue and not one of religion or culture. However, there are also supporters of this issue who do not wish further governmental involvement or regulation of these practices for they fear that such interference would restrict the practice too much.
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