Euthanasia: Is it right or wrong?

Euthanasia involves taking a human life, either one’s own or that of another. It means killing someone. However, euthanasia has been legalized in some countries, and it is slowly gaining acceptance in our society. For example, euthanasia was legalized in Oregon. Euthanasia is of ethical importance because it challenges the value system of people. Individuals who believe in quality of life, the right to choose, refuse treatment or right to die may feel threatened by the state not wanting to legalize the practice of euthanasia. However, for those who believe in sanctity of life, practicing euthanasia can be an insult to their belief and can become detrimental to their well- being. In an article I read, the author views the right to die same as the right to be killed from a euthanasia standpoint. He goes on to say that there has never been a right to be killed in any code of ethics. Euthanasia has often been anticipated only for those with terminal illness with severe suffering, but more recently the idea has been extended to include people who wish to die due to life’s misfortune. According to an article there is really no real need for euthanasia. They conclude that when dying people are well cared for, they have no desire to ask to be killed.

In the context of euthanasia, we must examine the practice to determine if it increases the overall good in order to conclude if it is ethical. A utilitarian perspective may cause the family to keep an individual alive. They may decide that it is harmful to society to weaken the value of life, and that if there is a possibility of saving life, in any condition, it should be done for the good of everyone. However, the same perspective may lead the family to conclude that the individual should be allowed to die. They may believe that society would be forced to bear the financial burden of an individual utilizing such expensive medical care, and that such resources might be better allocated if they were used on those who were not beyond hope.

How would ethical virtue deal with this dilemma? Before answering this question, it would be well to define virtues. According to Aristotle, virtue is a trait of character manifested in habitual action. The habitual is important. Virtues are means poised between extremes. Ethical virtue in the context of euthanasia would include the virtue of courage, prudence, loyalty and generosity. It would argue that suffering is a natural part of life with values that one should not ignore. That perspective should give the person courage. The person would need to endure suffering with courage because suffering is temporary in this life. It takes courage to hope for a change in their distress. Knowing that they can take their life at any time or ask another to take it may persuade them to give up too easily.

To conclude with, Euthanasia involves taking a human life. I can understand why some people choose to favor euthanasia. However, this practice will continue to remain wrong whether it is legalized or not. An author says” The value of human beings is above all price.”