Euthanasia: A Choice Of Decisions
Euthanasia: A Choice of Decisions
Should medical professionals consider euthanasia as a valid treatment option for patients who are victims of debilitating and/or fatal diseases? This is the basis of any argument on euthanasia in the medical field. However, some knowledge is required to deliberate such an important idea. After all, life and death is no simply matter. A doctor has an obligation to attend a patient wither it be a person dying from an incurable disease or that of a car wreck injury. What information can a doctor review and be considered for such an important matter.
The word euthanasia roughly comes from the Greek culture, which originates from the words "eu" and "thanatos". Together, these words coin the phrase "good death". Hippocrates mentions euthanasia in his earlier works. Clearly regarded as the Father of Medicine because of his devotion to the art of science (MS Encarta, 2007), Hippocrates is also credited with the virtuous phase, "First do no harm". Widely known as the Hippocratic Oath, which dates back to between 400 and 300 B.C., many have argued that the oath may not actually be Hippocrates' work. Part of the original Oath mentions:
"I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not
disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care
in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may
also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be
faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all,
I must not play at God. (MedicineNet, 2007)"
The start of the ethnical era began shortly after his death when people began to realize the importance of his teachings. However, Ethics is commonly defined as having motivation based on ideas of right and wrong. Are these motivations present in the affairs of doctors and do they hold a concern for the medical field?...
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