The article “Euthanasia”, written by Brian L. Mishara, examines the different types of Euthanasia and the societal views behind it. The author presents a well-structured article intended for an older audience, to clearly present the differing views on the subject. The author reviews the subcategories of euthanasia (voluntary, non-voluntary, and involuntary) providing a concise division between euthanasia and assisted suicide; however focusing primarily on the topic of euthanasia. The author goes into depth in presenting the arguments both for and against Euthanasia, and does not seem to have a stated opinion on the issue. My overall impression is that the author organized the differing views in a methodical manner while keeping it interesting but relevant.
In this article, the author has relied on the research he completed as Director of the Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide and Euthanasia since 1996, his time as a Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Quebec since 1979, as well as being the co-founder of the Quebec Association for suicide prevention, the President of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Mishara contends that arguments for or against euthanasia are impossible to resolve based upon moral or religious beliefs but
Values and practices over time change, and society at one point may come to a consensus that euthanasia is an acceptable practice. It is my belief he has said this because anything being argued upon based on religion and morals its too controversial an issue in itself, there is too large a number of religions and too many of them are at odds with each other. Also, based on history, many practices that seemed barbaric or socially unacceptable then have become common practice now.
This article would be useful for those looking to reach a decision on whether or not euthanasia is the right choice for them and can use it to make an imformed decision. It would also be useful to those who wish to come to terms with their opinion on the subject as both arguments are presented.
Though lacking a conclusion that truly reflects all points covered and reaches a conclusion, it does present new ideas and reflect on the future possibilities for the acceptance of euthanasia.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Euthanasia means “good death” but today the term is deemed as a merciful action to rid someone of suffering. In many cases we have seen terminally ill patients euthanized active or passive, yet for the sake of my essay I will discuss active euthanasia. End of life issues is a topic many families are faced with everyday more than one likes to imagine; however, imagine that you were a significant other who has a loved one in the hospital suffering from a terminal illness and their pain is unbearable that your loved one has decided to end his life and the subject of euthanasia comes up. What would you do? The…
- 1769 Words
- 8 Pages
Better Essays -
One of the most hotly debated ethical issue of our time is one of Euthanasia. Euthanasia comes from the Greek words “Eu”, meaning well or easy, and “Thanatos”, meaning death. In modern terms it is the intentional premature termination of another’s life by direct intervention or by withholding care.[1] Within that it can be either voluntary (expressed or implied consent), or involuntary. The two sides of this debate are the rights of an individual to decide when he or she is to die, or the sanctity of life and the states responsibility to protect people.…
- 2719 Words
- 11 Pages
Powerful Essays -
There are two factors that have contributed to euthanasia’s distinction with how the world is today. They are both an increasing sense of self-determinism and medical revolution that have the potential of prolonging human life (Michigan, 2006). People think that just because there are things like hospice and medication that euthanasia shouldn’t even be an option. But what people don’t know is that even with the best medication and the patient being made completely comfortable, it is not the pain that causes people to ask for what people call a “hastened death”, but the humiliation and suffering that accompanies most terminal disorders.…
- 2132 Words
- 9 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Debate Resolution: If voluntary euthanasia is legalized in the U.S., it will have primarily positive and acceptable social consequences. Consequently, it should be legal…
- 1912 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays -
But then again, he is just trying to challenge the distinction and he is successful at it. It makes me think why should anyone suffer a slow painful death? In the end both cause the death of someone. Active euthanasia would be much more “compassionate.” In my opinion, we see euthanasia as a brutal killing because we are more exposed to the terrible things shown by the media, but we are not as familiar with the characteristics of letting someone die. Thus, we always think killing is worst. I believe that active euthanasia should be a choice and it is not wrong. A terminally ill patient should be able to decide his fate to end his life or continue suffering. Of course, when the patient is not able to make decisions it should be the guardian’s right to do it. It is not easy to make such decision, but the option should be…
- 672 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Euthanasia is a social issue in today’s world because not only does it affect the lives of those who are terminally ill and/or comatose, and the physicians who have been entrusted with their care, but it also affects the patient’s ability to have control over their own life, whether they are aware of this decision or not, which is one of the reasons why euthanasia has become such a controversial issue around the globe. Caddell and Newton (1995) define euthanasia as “any treatment initiated by a physician with the intent of hastening the death of another human being who is terminally ill and in severe pain or distress with the motive of relieving that person from great suffering” (p. 1,672). Even though the concept of great…
- 2102 Words
- 9 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Assisted Suicide and euthanasia can be fought by two sides. For it or against it. No one can choose the decision for someone else. This research project will change opinions and maybe opinions will remain the same as before the paper was viewed. Euthanasia is a controversial topic and facts can come from either side, Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia are such controversial topics, which causes two sides of the story. Age-limits and specific guidelines should be modified for the sake of the people.…
- 343 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Marker, R. (2010). Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved March 15, 2013, from Patient’s Rights Council: http://www.patientsrightscouncil.org/site/frequently-asked-questions/…
- 2038 Words
- 9 Pages
Powerful Essays -
The concept of intentionally ending a life through assisted suicide or euthanasia is a controversial topic. There are many moral, practical, and religious arguments either for or against these acts, making it difficult to find any easy answers to these issues. There are a variety of perspectives on euthanasia and assisted suicide that have developed and have been put into policies in some states or countries. This paper will explore what is meant by euthanasia and assisted suicide, some of the arguments for and against intentionally ending a life, and my own values and beliefs surrounding these issues.…
- 1907 Words
- 8 Pages
Good Essays -
There is a lot of controversy with the subject of euthanasia. I, for one, was not even aware of the depth of the subject until I started researching for this paper. It has been most…
- 4342 Words
- 18 Pages
Best Essays -
activist who tried to legalize assisted suicide under the argument that everyone deserves a humane death. There had been much debate on the issue,…
- 1047 Words
- 5 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Mishara, B. L., Mishara, B. L., & Weisstub, D. N. (09/01/2013). International journal of law and psychiatry: Premises and evidence in the rhetoric of assisted suicide and euthanasia Elsevier. doi:10.1016/j.ijlp.2013.09.003…
- 988 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
In this text, the author uses her personal insight on the subject to discuss and analyse what consequences assisted suicide could have, and this gives the reader the opportunity to…
- 974 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
The controversy of euthanasia has been comparable to an equally controversial topic: abortion. Both topics deal with medically assisted death - one with babies, and the other of terminally ill individuals. In both cases, people are accusing doctors of being “murderers”, which implies that the doctors issuing the life-ending drug are monsters (Source G). Furthermore, critics of euthanasia argue that some patients do not have the mental capability to make a decision, such as those suffering through dementia or other mental illnesses (Source F). However, all people should have the right to make their own choice about their life, and should be able to receive proper medical support with their decision. Euthanasia has shown to have many medical benefits, which clearly far outweigh the downsides. In Oregon, for example, the passing of the ODDA, an assisted suicide bill, has shown to have actually increased and bettered end of life care (Source C). In the end, euthanasia has unequivocal benefits, mainly medical and moral, that are far more important and significant than the minor…
- 773 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
3. Intro (How people generally look at euthanasia if positive or negative, history of euthanasia or where and how it began, what methods are generally used by nurses or doctors when euthanasia is asked by the patient and why it is an interesting research.)…
- 290 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays