Euthanasia Report

Euthanasia

Katie Davison
December 21, 2014
Mr. Lafrance
HSP 3U

Introduction        

Ever since the second and third centuries, euthanasia has been an ongoing debate and issue in our world (Library of Parliament, 2013). As debates become more significant, euthanasia is beginning to become legal in countries around us. The debate is focused around the human rights we are given in society. As human beings, we have been given the right to live. Debate amongst euthanasia focuses on whether we should have the right to die, when diagnosed with illness or disease to a certain extent. Euthanasia is an act that involves taking a human life, when they are in pain and suffering due to an illness or disease in which recovery cannot be expected (Promethus Book, 1989). Euthanasia can be categorized into five different sections including active, passive, voluntary, in-voluntary and assisted suicide. Active euthanasia is an action that dismisses the use of a life threatening factor in which the patient will have an almost impossible time surviving without it. In this case, if the proper procedures were followed then the patient’s life would have been extended (Greenhaven Press, 1989). Passive euthanasia is any discontinuation of a treatment. This treatment was essential in order for the patient to live, and by discontinuing the medication it will lead to a faster death regarding the patient (Greenhaven Press, 1989). Voluntary euthanasia is when the patient asks for assistance in order to end their suffering (Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy, 2014). Non- voluntary euthanasia is when the patient is unable to request for help in death due to their state (Conjunction Corporation, 2003- 2015). Assisted suicide is when information is provided by a physician in which the patient then follows the instructions in order to end their life. This act is carried out by the patient, knowing that they will not survive (Endlink, 2004). Euthanasia is an act that occurs with the intention of ending the patient’s life. Many factors can contribute to the participation in euthanasia, including mental stability, the physician or hospital and the legality in the state. When euthanasia occurs, the patient illness or disease is incurable. Participating in euthanasia is to end the suffering of one who is already dying. The debate that occurs is ongoing, as there are many factors and opinions involved. The following report will discuss euthanasia and its history, and the perspective of euthanasia from a social scientific view.

History

        The idea and debate about euthanasia began in the second and third centuries. Christianity strongly influenced the discussion towards euthanasia, as an intolerance was placed amongst it. The idea of ending someone’s life early to end pain and suffering went against the beliefs and religion of Christians. Suicide was intolerable towards the catholic religion, and euthanasia was looked upon as an act of suicide. Committing suicide or participating in an act of euthanasia brought shame and disappointment upon the family name, and went against the religious beliefs (Library of Parliament, 2013). In the thirteenth century, St. Thomas Aquinas stated that suicide and euthanasia were considered a sin because it violated the commandment against killing, and prevented the opportunity of repentance (Library of Parliament, 2013). His statement supported the opinion of many Catholics, supporting the opposing side of euthanasia and suicide. If a Christian participated in an act of euthanasia or committed suicide, it would deny the right of a Christian burial, which was a procedure of steps that were taken place by a deceased Christian, before they were buried underneath the ground. In the ancient classical period, the Greeks and Romans brought the debate of euthanasia into a more tolerable discussion, further reasoning whether it is acceptable or not. The Germans euthanized more than 275 000 people before the war began. Dr. Leo Alexander described the first order on euthanasia was directed by Hitler in 1939 (Greenhaven Press, 1989). The scientific and medical discoveries that were made strongly impacted the debate on euthanasia, making it more acceptable. Based on the medical view point, having more bodily treatments and medications to extend life brought more discussion on euthanasia in the nineteenth century and whether one had the right to die when terminally ill (Library of Parliament, 2013). Majority of the debate was focused on the ‘Quality of Life’ and when the illness degrades to the point where the ability to cease the living was acceptable. The debate on euthanasia still continues today, becoming legal in more countries than the second and third centuries.

Anthropological View

        When studying euthanasia, and the causes and effects it had, an anthropologist would study the background of the individual. This would include ethnicities, religion, religious beliefs, the culture and location of the patient. Different ethnic and religious backgrounds have different beliefs and views on euthanasia and suicide. Christians find it intolerable, as it goes against their religious beliefs and backgrounds this can effect whether the patient wants to be euthanatized because it will bring shame upon their family and deny the right to have a Christian burial (Library of Parliament, 2013). Location is a dependant variable on participating in euthanasia, as it is not legal in all countries. This can effect whom will chose to either break the law and participate in euthanasia if it is not legal in their country, which is unlikely and the numbers of euthanasia will be lower in that country. An anthropologist would also look at not just the patient, but the physician taking care of the patient. If the patient is unable to speak for themselves, the physician may personally choose to participate in non- voluntary euthanasia. When participating in non- voluntary euthanasia, the physician is the one who carries out the act in order to end the patient life quicker. An anthropologist may study the physician as an individual in order to come to the conclusion of why they would want to end another person’s life faster, although they are already dying. Anthropologists would study different backgrounds, and environments that may affect the patient’s decision in ending their life.