The Right to Die Essay example -- essays research papers fc

The Right to DieThe enunciate Euthanasia originated from the Greek language eu means "good" and death instinct means "death". Euthanasia (Greek, "good death") is the implement of sidesplitting a person or animal, in a painless or minimally painful way, for merciful reasons, usually to end their harm. However, some lot define mercy killing to include both voluntary and involuntary enclosure of life (Humphy 12). Like so many moral/ethical/ ghostlike terms, " mercy killing" has many meanings. Euthanasia, in the strict sense, involves actively causing death. This is, in some cases, legal like in the Netherlands, but in some separate countries. Euthanasia, in a wider sense, includes assisting someone to commit self-annihilation, in limited physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Allowing death -- e.g. by not providing life support or vital medication-- is not considered mercy killing if it is the patients wish (Robinson). It is sometimes called passi ve euthanasia in cases where the patient is unable to make decisions about give-and-take. Living Wills and Do Not Resuscitate orders are legal instruments that make a patients treatment decisions known ahead of time allowing a patient to die base on such decisions is never considered euthanasia. Terminal sedation is a conclave of medically inducing a deep sleep and stopping other treatment, with the exception of medication for symptom control (such as analgesia). It is considered to be euthanasia by some, but under current law and medical practice it is considered a form of palliative care (Humphry 14). Advocates of euthanasia generally assert that euthanasia should be voluntary, requiring informed consent, and that it should only be used in cases of terminal illness that cause unbearable suffering, or an eventual, complete firing of awareness. Its opponents challenge it on several ethical grounds, including a slippery shift argument that it is the first step towards compulsor y euthanasia (Leon 22).Voluntary euthanasia is the truest and fullest form of euthanasia wherein the individual requests euthanasia - either during illness or before, if complete incapacitation is expected (a coma would be an example). Euthanasia in these cases differs from suicide by existing only within the context of the amelioration of suffering in the process of death. Volition must be informed and uncaring (i.e. not under duress fr... ...ssional leaders announced that they were drafting a bill that would order the reinsertion of Schiavos feeding tube and allow a federal court to review the case. If passed, President Bush plans to sign it (Stacy). Works Cited Capek, Stella M., Elaine Fox, and Jeffrey J. Kamakahi. play along Lovely and Soothing Death The Right to Die Movement in the United States. New York Twayne, n.d. End of Life Choices Compassion, Dignity, and Control. 2004. End-of-Life Choices/Compassion In end Compassion & Choices . . Euthanasia. Ed. Lisa Yount. San Diego Greenhaven P, Inc., 2002. Humphry, Derek. Eugene Hemlock Society, 1991. Lipper, Tamara. Between Life and Death substructure the unprecedented showdown over one womans fate.. 2005. Newsweek. . Robinson, B.A.. Euthanasia and Physician back up Suicide. 02 Sept. 2004. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. . Stacy, Mitch. Schiavo Kin Wants Feeding Tube Reinserted. 20 Mar. 2005. MSNBC telegraph Services, The Associated Press. . The Ethics of Euthanasia. Ed. Daniel A. Leone. San Diego Greenhaven P, Inc., 1999. Wickett, Ann, and Derek Humphry . The Right To Die Understanding Euthanasia. New York Harper and Row, 1986.