The Morality on Euthanasia

The topic of euthanasia is one that will likely never be compromised on between the two sides involved. An example of a group that supports euthanasia is The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Scotland. There are many other “right-to-death” groups in addition to The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Scotland. On the other side, the Pro-Life Council sees euthanasia as unacceptable in all situations. The basic arguments for and against euthanasia will be outlined in the rest of this paper.

In most countries, doctor-assisted suicide is illegal. However, there are a few places in which this is legal, with claims of intolerable pain and inevitable death. These places include Colombia, Japan, the state of Oregon, and the Netherlands. When one digs deeper, though, it is found that Holland, which purportedly outlaws euthanasia, does not prevent doctor-assisted suicide as it should. A reported 3% of all deaths are from doctor-assisted suicide, although it is thought to be much higher.

The Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Scotland believes that everyone should have control of their lives. They also believe that the government or any religious organization does not have the authority to keep a person alive against their will. They also claim that allowing someone who is constantly in pain, and facing inevitable death, should be allowed to end their life if they wish. This group typically cites cases and situations where a patient is suffering an extreme amount of pain, and facing inevitable death. This society believes it moral to allow them to end their life. They also believe the law supports this assertion.

To the contrary, the Pro-Life Council counters those who are for doctor-assisted suicide by claiming that even diseases with the most excruciating pain can be managed through the use of modern day medications, procedures and therapies. The Pro-Life Council also asserts that if a law allowing euthanasia was passed, those who are handicapped and older would be encouraged, and possibly even pressured by family, medical personnel and others, into suicide. The Catholic Church also supports the stance that euthanasia is unethical. The Church states that all life is sacred, and to take it is a mortal sin, with certain exceptions, such as self-defense. If someone is going through a significant amount of pain, they can be given pain killers, even if it might cut a few days off of their life. The Church also believes that painful, aggressive treatment that might only prolong life for an insignificant amount of time is not necessary.