Euthanasia Essay, Research Paper

Is euthanasia the mercy killing of someone who is in extreme pain in order to end suffering, an immoral or amoral act? Simply put, it is an immoral act even though it is intended to help another person. It is assisting in killing another human being, and ending their existence. Euthanasia is participating in the sin of another because the doctor is aiding the patient in a sinful act. “Euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God, since it is deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a human person.”

Is there a difference in morality between active/passive euthanasia? Active euthanasia is when a doctor administers a procedure which is the direct cause of death. Passive is when a person refuses treatment or other extraordinary means to cause death. They are both equally immoral actions. “Intentionally causing one’s own death, or suicide, is equally wrong as murder such an action on the part of a person is to be considered as a rejection of God’s sovereignty and loving plan”

Humans do not choose when they will die it simply happens due to nature. Why should euthanasia be an option? It should not be an option, “God alone has the power over life and death.” No one knows how much time they have left to live, so it is not worth killing oneself because it can never be foreseen what life has in store. “Predicting how long someone may live with cancer is very difficult at best.”

When quality of life deteriorates people begin to think about euthanasia. Their human dignity is a large factor because they may feel that if they die sooner they are not as much of a burden. In fact there is no true dignity in death, other than living as long as possible.

Life is most of the time the best option opposed to suicide or assisted suicide. No matter how hard life gets death is never the answer. Euthanasia is often tempting because it is seen as gently ending a life before it is time. “In reality, what might seem logical and human, when looked at more closely is seen to be senseless and inhumane.”