What is Euthanasia?
Euthanasia is the process of painlessly helping a terminally ill person to die. Known also as assisted suicide or mercy killing, euthanasia is illegal for humans in the United States. Generally, euthanasia is performed by lethal injection, using the same drugs as those on death row are executed.
Hyppocrates, the father of modern medicine, stated in 400 B.C., "I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel". Today, doctors are still bound by this oath. The first law, or statute, enacted in America was entered in the books in New York in 1828.
Like abortion, the debate about assisted suicide is a heated one. Many argue that quality of life is an issue, while those on the other side believe life must be preserved at all costs. The arguments from both sides are of both moral and legal ramifications. Proponents of assisted suicide believe that the church and state have no right to interfere with a person's right to die. Opponents voice the opposite opinion; that no one but God has the authority to determine when a person is to die.
The Hemlock Society is very vocal in their belief that euthanasia should be allowed, especially if the patient has conveyed those wishes. Very few stand on the middle of the road on this issue. Most religions and medical professionals are opposed to euthanasia.
The topic was brought to the forefront of public opinion with the trial of Doctor Jack Kevorkian in the late 1990s. He was sentenced to 10-25 years in prison for the murder of Thomas Youk after giving him a lethal injection.
Several foreign countries including the Netherlands and Belgium allow euthanasia to be performed on patients if certain conditions, such as chronic pain associated with an incurable illness, are met.
Animals, especially dogs and cats, are routinely and humanely put to death in many animal shelters when homes for them cannot be found. It is also a common practice for owners of elderly pets to have their beloved animal put down when their pain makes the dog or cat's life unbearable. Farmers have always practiced putting any animal out of their misery, when they know the animal cannot be healed.
Euthanasia is a volatile issue for many, especially as the baby boomer generation ages. Living wills can be drafted for those who do not wish to be kept alive by extraordinary means in the event of terminal illness or brain death. A living will is a simple document that can be drawn up by you or with the help of an attorney.
Written by Kat Yares
