Turning off life
support is a form of passive euthanasia, which where the patient dies because
of doctors not doing the necessary to keep the patient alive, or stopping the
thing that is, such as life support. Other examples include disconnecting a
feeding tube, not carrying out life extending operation or not prescribing
life-extending drugs. Therefore
this is different to active euthanasia when the patient dies from deliberate
causes.
Some people believe that
passive euthanasia is morally right where as active euthanasia is not. In my
opinion I find the distinction very difficult, because during active euthanasia
the doctor carries out action with the intention of causing death. Where as in
Passive Euthanasia, despite the fact that the doctor lets the patient die, the
action is still carried out with the intention of death. I would even argue
that active euthanasia is more morally right because death is resulted with the
least pain and suffering.
What if the patient
wants to die? Doctors would find it ethically right to withdraw treatment,
however would it be right to give the patient a lethal injection. I believe the
latter may be morally better, because the patient will die under both
circumstances. Lethal injection will provide the patient with a shorter, less
painful life.
Who should decide for
a patient to die? In an ideal
situation voluntary euthanasia is where the patient makes the conscious
decision to die, and asks for assistance. This should be legal as everyone has
the right to die. Although it becomes difficult when the patient is unable to
respond due to a coma or unconsciousness. In this circumstance it is difficult
to distinguish between non-voluntary euthanasia where the patients relatives end
life as the patient requested. Compared to involuntary euthanasia where the
patient is killed against their wishes. In my opinion the only consideration of
manslaughter or murder is involuntary euthanasia.
I believe that
everyone should have the right to die, so why is euthanasia considered
manslaughter or murder in the United Kingdom? Assisted suicide is punishable up
to 14 years in prison where as suicide is not a criminal act.
References:
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