Euthanasia should be legalized

Abstract

General support for euthanasia has been seen in several places. Not only has Oregon passed the first pro-euthanasia law in the United States, but this has also been followed by a majority support from the doctors, nurses, and social workers who have been assessed on their attitudes toward euthanasia-seeking clients (White et al., 2008/2009; Miller et al., 2004). A number of demographic factors have been found to be consistently related to differential levels of support of euthanasia.

Outline

Euthanasia is a challenge from the ethical point of view and also from the legal. Some terminally ill people ask to be left to die with dignity in order to complete their sufferings. There comes a dilemma for physicians and family members who have to take a final decision. Within the ethical debates in the medical profession, euthanasia has a unique present. After years, a large literature has been published in medical and against. The discussion revolves around the tension between the ethical imperative to relieve suffering, particularly in terminally ill patients who make a conscious decision to end their lives, and the prohibition against the participation of doctors and other health professionals in the monitoring of a life. The simplicity that is often posed to the public such a complex issue, leads to doubt the real value of the many surveys in favor of euthanasia wielding supporters, whose goal is to create the false image of a "broad demand social” (Hendin 2008). As active euthanasia becomes legal in more areas, it is likely that helping professionals will see an increase in the numbers of clients who bring this issue into counseling. First, however, it is important to understand the current state of euthanasia from legal and values-conflict perspectives in order to appreciate the difficulty helping professionals face when working with such clientele. Every day, more voices are calling for legalization of euthanasia. So far it has succeeded in some countries something that is ethically acceptable. It has recognized the right of the patient to refuse treatment and extraordinary power to die peacefully and with dignity. Reasonable laws can be formed which may avoid ill-treatment and can also defend the value of human life. Although legalization is limited at these time, health care professionals are already beginning to see an increasing number of clients seeking this option.Introduction

Few topics can be considered as controversial as those that surround life and death. In particular, euthanasia is an extremely value-laden topic in that its focus is on an individual making his or her own end-of-life decision. This situation becomes increasingly precarious when individuals seek out various helping professionals, be they doctors, nurses, or psychologists, to aid them in this decision-making process. It is important that the focus of the decision-making process remain on the client and be as minimally influenced by the professional as possible. The word euthanasia comes from the Greek as well: eu = good, thanatos = death. "Good Death" term that has evolved and now refers to the act of ending the ...