Euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide is a highly debated issue. This issue is outlawed in almost all major countries. Proponents for euthanasia advocate the ending of pain for those who cannot otherwise survive any terminal disease (eHow). On the other hand, the opponents to euthanasia view it as a rejection of human life. The following are some of the articles for and against euthanasia.
- Jane L Givens and Susan L Mitchell “Concerns about End-of-Life Care and Support for Euthanasia” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management Article in Press – FOR
The authors state socio-demographic characteristics of the people are the main reason for popular support. Using data from a 1988 General Social Survey, found various reasons for people supporting euthanasia like concerns about the emotional burden of end-of-life decision making family members and worry about lack of money or insurance will result in poor end-of-life care (Givens & Mitchell, 2009).
- Isis Kearney “What Does Euthanasia Mean” found available on NHS Exposed website – FOR
In this article, the author describes the different categories of euthanasia like voluntary euthanasia, involuntary euthanasia, active euthanasia and passive euthanasia. The author states that euthanasia is to be considered as a pro-choice decision and when legalized the government should implement stricter laws so that there is no abuse of euthanasia by physicians (Kearney).
- Dr. Gregor Wolbring “Why Disability Rights Movements Do Not Support Euthanasia:
Safeguards Broken Beyond Repair” found in Bioethics and Disability website – FOR
This article provides a descriptive analysis of euthanasia from different angles. The article deals with the grounds on which the terminally ill cancer patients may decide to opt for euthanasia. The author provides detailed explanation on terms like ‘terminal condition’, ‘physical pain’, ‘consent and competent adult’ and ‘self-determination’. The author cites a British study supporting voluntary and involuntary euthanasia by 80% people (Wolbrnig).
- Euthnasia.com “Arguments against Euthanasia” available online – AGAINST
This article defends each of the arguments, which support euthanasia citing valid arguments of them. This article argues that when euthanasia is legalized there is a distinct possibility that the physicians may become greedy and look only for their financial well-being, when a disabled person chooses to die (Euthnasia.com).
- Nicholas Beale and Prof. Stuart Horner “Non-Religious Arguments against ‘Voluntary Euthanasia’” available on starcourse website – AGAINST
Beale and Horner enumerate the potential problems or issues that may arise when euthanasia is legalized. For instance, the authors are of the view that legalizing voluntary euthanasia might result in a large scale of the practice of advising the patients. They argue that bad cases do not make good law since no system of safeguards could ever be foolproof and therefore, legalizing voluntary euthanasia would lead to legalizing involuntary euthanasia (Beale & Horner).
- Dr. Robert Pollnitz “The Case Against Euthanasia” available online at hcic.org website – AGAINST
The author defines euthanasia extensively and provides arguments against euthanasia. The article provides statistics on involuntary euthanasia. There is a descriptive discourse on euthanasia and palliative care. Some of the arguments are also religion-based which talks against euthanasia (Pollinitz).
References
Beale, N., & Horner, P. (n.d.). Non-Religious Arguments against ‘Voluntary Euthanasia’. Web.
eHow. (n.d.). How to Debate in Support of Euthansia. Web.
Euthnasia.com. (n.d.). Arguments against Euthansia. Web.
Givens, J. L., & Mitchell, S. L. (2009). Concerns about End-of-Life Care and Support for Euthanasia.
Kearney, I. (n.d.). What doe Euthanasia Mean?
Pollinitz, D. (n.d.). The Case against Euthanasia.
Wolbrnig, D. G. (n.d.). Why Disability Rights Movements Do Not Support Euthanasia:Safeguards Broken Beyond Repair.