Euthanasia
Uploaded by xFaustus9 on Mar 27, 2001
Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide
“To be or not to be”Problem:Life is a precious gift containing a wide spectrum of emotions and experiences that make it so sacred. Emotions and experiences are intertwined and are the substance of ones existence. Yet when the pain outweighs the joy of life one begins questioning whether or not to endure. “To be or not to be” an extremely difficult question, a query that resides souly in desperation a place of pain and darkness. What brings a person to even consider such an act? What is up ahead or around this individual that feeds the need to bail out? It seems that perpetual pain or loss of ones control are both common reasons for this escape. Euthanasia and assisted suicide have both been topics contemplated throughout the history of human civilization. Whether or not one has the right to take their own life and further more get aid in doing so. “Euthanasia can be traced as far back as to the ancient Greek and Roman civilization where it was allowed to help others die”(Encarta 98). This practice has followed us through the years and has been rejected accepted and considered throughout the globe. “ In the United States the first doctor was charged for performing euthanasia in 1935. Harold Blazer was charged for the death of his daughter a victim of spinal meningitis. After caring for her for thirty years, he placed a rag of chloroform over her face until she died, he was acquitted from charges” (www.angelfire.com/al/jefspage). “In Holland euthanasia and assisted suicide are both crimes punishable with 12 years in prison, yet it has been a common practice (3,600 cases in 1995 alone) for nearly a decade. These laws are rarely enforced providing physicians follow official guidelines” (Time.com). Currently in the United States controversy swarms on weather or not to allow euthanasia and assisted suicide. ”Marian Fredrick stricken with Lou Gehrig’s disease, felt her muscles degenerate to the point where she could no longer hold her head up, or speak. Marian then decided to end her life seeking out Dr. Kevorkian, who helped her find a final peace”(Proposal B). Should we allow a person who is terminally ill, in constant pain, and on the verge of losing control, the right and the privilege to escape from their fading shell? Should they have the “right” to seek aid and consolation in this important decision? Absolutely,...