Euthanasia
Euthanasia
Euthanasia
Euthanasia
It is derived from the Greek words: eu ‘well’ + thanatos ‘death”,
meaning “good death”.
It refers to the termination of a person’s life, to end their
suffering, usually from an incurable or terminal condition.
It is for this reason that euthanasia was also coined the name “mercy
killing”.
2 types of euthanasia:
1. Active euthanasia
It refers to the deliberate act, usually through the intentional
administration of lethal drugs, to end an incurably or terminally
ill patient’s life.
2. Passive euthanasia
It is the deliberate withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging
medical treatment resulting in the patient’s death.
3 Categories of Euthanasia:
1. Voluntary euthanasia
It refers to euthanasia performed at the request of the patient.
(Assisted suicide)
2. Involuntary euthanasia
It is performed when the patient does not request it, with the
intent of relieving their suffering – which, in effect, amounts to
murder.
3. Non-voluntary euthanasia
It relates to a situation where euthanasia is performed when the
patient is incapable of consenting.
CCC 2278
Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous,
extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be
legitimate.
Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is
merely accepted.
The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and
able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient,
whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always be
respected.
Islam on Euthanasia:
Muslims believe that life is sacred and comes from God, so it's a sin
to take life.
The Qur'an forbids suicide and euthanasia in verses such as 4:29,
which states, "Destroy not yourselves. Surely Allah is ever merciful
to you".
Conclusion
It can be seen that euthanasia is indeed a contentious issue, with the
heart of the debate lying at active voluntary euthanasia and physician
assisted suicide.
The many arguments that have been put forward for and against
euthanasia, and the handful that have been outlined provide only a
glimpse into the ethical debate and controversy surrounding the topic
of euthanasia.