Developed countries have experienced gradual changes in the medical field in recent years, some of which have left society questioning the ethics and morals behind them. What is ethically acceptable and unpleasant depends on individuals. Some people believe that choosing how they die is appropriate as far as their life is concerned, while some believe that it is not proper to interfere with nature, especially when it regards life. This essay will examine the three justifications for euthanasia, including quality of life, the emotional pain of losing self-reliance, and autonomy
The main evidence in favor of euthanasia is that the standard of life of patients during the disease, even with medication, is severe. In some cases, some argue that the medication will have no effect on the disease, therefore choose euthanasia as an alternative. In a survey conducted by Wilson Keith (2018, pp.132-142), 8 patients did not wish to die, but the deterioration of their health destroyed their will to live. The whole purpose in this instance is to relieve a patient from hopelessness in life that maybe be unpleasant. According to Eduardo Rivera Lopez (2017, pp.401-406), dying for that person is coinvent as compared to being alive, even with excellent end-of-life care. For example, a cancer patient whose chemotherapy is not responding is immobile, cannot fend for herself, and might try to commit suicide if euthanasia is not regarded as appropriate to relieve extreme pain.
Another reason in favor of euthanasia is that there is fear of the unknown, some patients do not want to continuously ask for financial assistance or any form of support. They might feel like they are a burden and people might lose respect for them. According to Phillipa Malpas, Maria Wilson, Nicola Rae, and Malcolm Johnson (2014, pp.353-359), patients were afraid of losing self-dependency and afraid to ask for assistance because they didn’t want to be too dependent on their family and friends.
Finally, each patient should be able to choose how and when they want to die. It is believed that the patients are the ones in pain and must die with dignity. They should have a final say in how they want to spend their last days without any hesitation or guilt regarding their decision. Just like people have the freedom to marry whom they want, should also apply when an individual wants to decide on how to end his or her life. If there must be dignity in life, there should also be dignity in death. Therefore, patients should not be discouraged to make their own decisions, even though it does not suit the beliefs of others.
In summary, as we can see, euthanasia is the right thing to do, given the trauma patients experience when they are sick and the fear associated with their illnesses. Only patients have power over their lives and they have full right to make the final decision about their lives. Life is sacred and it demands a dignified death at the end.