Euthanasia
The word Euthanasia is derived from the Greek "Thanatos," meaning gdeathh and the prefix "eu," meaning geasyh or ggoodh (Russell 94). Thus, "eu-Thanatos" means an easy or good death. In today's society there are many disagreements about the rights and wrongs of euthanasia. Although death is unavoidable for human beings, the suffering of terminal patients and family members and friends, can be avoided. Euthanasia is a better choice for terminal patients than suicide.
In our society, suicide is always traumatic for families and friends. If there is no alternative to relieve the suffering of terminal patients, then the more humane option to suicide is euthanasia. An option for people that are unsure of euthanasia is called DNR or do not resuscitate (McCuen 2). This means that if the patient has a heart attack or another potentially fatal problem in the hospital, the doctors are told to perform a " No Code," which means they should let the patient die peacefully with only the amount of painkillers or medication requested by that patient (McCuen 3). Many terminal patients decide to sign DNR forms or request euthanasia so that they will not be a burden on their families, who could rest easier knowing that their relative is receiving the necessary attention and not suffering.
Euthanasia is the justified killing or assisted killing of a disabled or terminally ill person at their will or if the patient is incapable of making the decision, at the family's will (Satris 260). The doctor or sometimes even a family member, uses injections, weapons, or other means of killing to act out euthanasia, but euthanasia is usually quiet and gentle. In most of the cases of euthanasia, the patient dies by lethal injection or certain life support systems are withheld.
There are many types of euthanasia. The most common type is voluntary euthanasia (Russell 32). Voluntary euthanasia is euthanasia that is preformed at the will of the patient. Involuntary...
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