Euthansia paper
Euthanasia is an extremely controversial issue. The origin of the modern euthanasia movement began in 1935, by a group of intellectuals. Headed by George Bernard Shaw, Harold Laski, Bertrand Russell, and H.G. Wells. The organization was known as the British Euthanasia Society, though unsuccessful, yet it quickly spread half a century later in the United States and the Netherlands (Cox 59). A Unitarian Minister, Rev. Charles Potter, founded the Euthanasia Society in the United States in 1938. Euthanasia has held dividing opinion amongst Americans, like many debating issues as abortion or television violence. The issues widespread popularity has not only the health care systems involved, nonetheless, it has recently earned immense attention from the media, the states, and the federal government as well. Therefore, eminent emphasis has been applied in comprehending euthanasia from various opposing viewpoints. Furthermore, by examining euthanasia from its definition, voices of the terminally ill and the loved ones associated with, religious ground, legal status, and the public opinion, one, in respect with the diverse perspective can assimilate a better apprehension of this contested issue.
As one can conclude, euthanasia is an extremely debating issue and one can only comprehend its complexity by examining its underlying causes. Furthermore, everyday many people in the United States and around the world are forced to reach a decision. Despite the fact the doctor-assisted suicide is unethical and immoral, individual are placed in situations where they are left to decide to choose death or suffering. Many, end up choosing death, because they cannot bare the pain their loved ones are put through. Recently, a relative of one suffered from terminal arthritis in the body, furthermore, causing him to not be able to communicate with his family members and is bed ridden. Moreover, doctors have given up hope because there is no surgical method that could be done to cure the disease and if the procedure does take place, there is no hope for recovery. In this situation, one can only ask for mercy. The issue of euthanasia has gained mass attention from the government. "In June, 1997 the U.S. Supreme Court handed down decisions in two court cases challenging the legality of state bans in assisted suicide. In both cases, the court found that there was no constitutional right to assisted suicide and turned the matter back to the states to decide whether to ban or legalize assisted suicide"(Choices in Dying Issues 2). In the United States, only one state has permitted physician-assisted suicide through Oregon's Measure 16. In 1991, Congress passed the Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA), which required the healthcare facilities to inform patients, their right to refuse or accept the medical treatment through power of attorney or will. In addition, the first major attempt of the United States government to legalize physician-assisted suicide took place in Washington on 1991 as initiative #119, but it was soon killed. Another attempt was made by California, in initiative #161, which failed to pass by 54 percent to 46 percent margin in 1192 election (Cox 178). Further, many states have tried to legalize the ban but were unsuccessful. Government does not have the right to give one group or individual to kill another. Laws against euthanasia are made to prevent abuse of doctors and healthcare provider and its intentions are not to make an individua
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Approximate Word count = 1536
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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