The Dilemma Of Euthanasi Whose Life Is It - 1165 Words

The Dilemma of Euthanasia The Dilemma of Euthanasia: Whose Life Is It? Andrea R Burroughs Ethics for the Health Care Professionals Dr. Ferhat Zengul November 8, 2014 Abstract The practice of euthanasia is one of the most debatable topics in many countries today. It’s been a pertinent issue in human rights because it affects both legal and ethical issues. This paper will include an overview and clarification of the euthanasia issue. It will also include legal and ethical debates that many people are discussing. It focuses on both the supporters and opposers of this practice. Euthanasia exists in four categories: active, passive, voluntary and involuntary. Key words: euthanasia, ethics, legal, human rights†¦show more content†¦General Information Euthanasia is the act of ending an individuals’ life to relive any associated pain and suffering. This particular section will discuss the origination of euthanasia, provide real-life examples of euthanasia and discuss the various classifications of euthanasia. It will also discuss alternatives that can be used. History The term â€Å"euthanasia† is derived from Greek, literally meaning â€Å"good death† (Ebrahimi,2012). However, it refers to ending an individual’s life who is experiencing pain and suffering. For this reason euthanasia was given the name â€Å"mercy killer.† Good death,in this case, refers to a painless death. All painless deaths aren’t necessarily euthanasia. It only occurs when another individual directly causes the death another person. There are two cases that are closely related to this topic and they are linked to each other in various similar ways. In early February 1990, Terri Schiavo suffered a heart attack, that left severe brain damage. Later that year, around late December 1990, Nancy Cruzan died. She too was severely brain damage after being in a vegetative state from an automobile accident years before. Cruzan didn’t die on her own; however her parents and sister had the feeding tube that was keeping her alive removed. Eventually the case against the state of Missouri and the Cruzans would earn public recognition and go to the Supreme