Running head: ETHICAL ISSUES PERTAINING TO EUTHANASIA
Ethical Issues Pertaining to Euthanasia
Sidrah Fariq
Abstract
Condemned German:
"But we didn't think it would go that far."
American judge:
"It went that far the very first time you condemned an innocent human being."
(Conversation in the American motion picture "Judgment at Nuremburg")
The paper elaborates on the above argument that held sway after the World War II. It throws light on one of the most controversial ethical dilemmas of today's time and age, "Euthanasia". Euthanasia which dates as far back as 1920, doesn't fail to raise eyebrows when piqued over. With nations like, Luxemburg, Belgium, Netherlands legalizing it while others like United States, England, ripped through amongst its proponents and opponents, debates over euthanasia stand out hot and fiery.
Various arguments are cited, along with the pros and cons as assessed by different segments of the society. While the advocates demand autonomy and support euthanasia on privacy grounds, opponents fear abuse of power and breach of human code of conduct will follow post euthanasia legalization.
An objective overview of the statistics pertaining to euthanasia is also mentioned and a plea for a shift in thought process is appealed for.
Ethical Issues Pertaining to Euthanasia
Euthanasia has oft been juxtaposed with mercy killing. Literally speaking, it means killing a person to alleviate him/her of pain. Mercy killing represents a serious ethical dilemma. Death is an inevitable reality and clauses leading to it are in-numerable. People do not always die well. Euthanasia seems to be a compassionate way of killing people relieving them of the pain and suffering.
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