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Essay / The Euthanasia Controversy
Table of ContentsIntroductionDefinition of EuthanasiaPsychological and Physiological AspectsReligious AspectsAdvantages of EuthanasiaIntroductionThe question of the value of human life has been a subject of debate for centuries. The belief that life is a gift from a higher power has led to the idea that individuals do not have the right to make decisions about their own lives. However, the subject of euthanasia is the subject of ongoing controversy because it raises fundamental questions about the nature of human existence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Definition of Euthanasia To better understand the complexities of this issue, it is important to establish a clear definition of euthanasia. Euthanasia is defined as the act of intentionally ending the life of a terminally ill person to relieve their suffering (What is euthanasia?). This practice is legal in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, some states of the United States, Luxembourg, etc. Even if the definition may seem simple, it opens the door to numerous debates and disagreements. Psychological and physiological aspects The question of euthanasia cannot be addressed without considering the psychological and physiological aspects that come into play. The mental state of the patient and those close to him is an important factor in this debate. Patients may have difficulty expressing their true desires due to their pain and suffering. Their wish for euthanasia may come from a desire to spare their loved ones emotional distress. The same can be said for the patient's loved ones, whose desire to end their loved one's suffering may be motivated by their own emotional pain. Religious Aspects Most world religions oppose euthanasia, with some banning it outright. For example, the Roman Catholic Church and Islam actively oppose euthanasia. Islam strictly prohibits all forms of suicide and therefore condemns euthanasia. Buddhism believes that a request for euthanasia can negatively impact the karma of both the doctor and the patient. Additionally, Buddhism teaches that one must accept suffering, which is why a request for euthanasia is considered a reflection of the person's troubled state of mind. Many religions view human life as sacred because it is a gift from a higher power. Therefore, they argue that it is not up to human authority to end life. Benefits of Euthanasia Despite the complexities surrounding euthanasia, there are arguments in its favor. An obvious advantage is that euthanasia can provide relief to people experiencing prolonged suffering (Benjamin, para. 4). There is historical precedent since, even in ancient times, euthanasia was practiced to end the agony of seriously injured soldiers. Another advantage is that euthanasia allows individuals to control their own lives, giving them the choice to determine whether their lives should continue or not (Euthanasia – Advantages and Disadvantages of Mercy Killing, para. 5). Supporters argue that this right must be respected because it allows terminally ill people to alleviate the suffering of their loved ones. Disadvantages of Euthanasia However, there are important arguments against euthanasia that highlight its negative aspects. One of these disadvantages is the psychological impact it can have on the patient's loved ones. They may feel guilty for not taking steps to prevent the death of their loved one or have difficulty making the decision to end their life. In addition, the.