Argument Against Euthanasia

The study of Bioethics involves the consideration of ethical issues arising from advancements in medicine and/or biology. The study of bioethics helps with determining the proper decision in regard to medical or biological issues. Bioethics is highly influential in academia, where scholars investigate the various scenarios arising from advancements, but is also influential in the applied realms of biology and medicine. Albert Jonsen, in his book Bioethics, claims "This field has established itself as an integral part of practical or applied philosophy and as a valuable adjunct to health policy and medical practice" (Jonsen 4). When dealing with the human body, ethics must be considered in order to preserve the value of human life. A highly
Definitions of euthanasia abound in the medical community. John Keown in his book Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy: An Argument Against Legalisation, creates a succinct definition of euthanasia based on various understandings of the process, "Euthanasia involves doctors making decisions which have the effect of shortening a patient's life and these decisions are based on the belief that the patient would be better off dead" (Keown 10). One often sees manifestations of euthanasia on the death beds of those close to death. Doctors, loved ones, or the patient himself decides that it is better to be dead than alive. However, a major distinction must be made between active and passive euthanasia. Passive euthanasia occurs when physicians refrain from keeping a patient alive with life-sustaining technology or medicine (Medical News Today). This is the "pulling the plug" example, commonly referenced today. Passive euthanasia is typically less controversial than active euthanasia, being that instead of taking a direct action to end one's life, a physician chooses not to perform a particular
Whether financially or emotionally, prolonged dying can prove incredibly detrimental to all of those involved. In a study conducted in 2000, 89% of patients said not being a burden to family was a very important consideration (Chantagul, Ho, 254). Typically very costly, medical treatment can financially cripple a family. A patient might rationalize euthanization but saying his death serves a greater good for his loved ones. A patient nearing death might also think it is better for him to die than have his family be so emotionally taxed by procedures prolonging the dying process. Euthanasia can offer a relief to a patient worried about causing his loved ones to suffer, giving the patient more peace in death. However, opponents of euthanasia use familial suffering as a reason why euthanasia should not be legalized (Barone). One might argue that patients can be pressured into taking their lives. Certainly, one is the master of his own life and should make decisions accordingly. Arguably one should never feel pressured to take his own life on the basis of another's well