Forms of Euthanasia

A. Reasons doctors oppose the practice

C. Doctors should assist patients in the decision

A. Family responsibility if patient is incompetent

B. Patient's decision overrides family wishes

A. Catholic and Protestant perspectives

B. Distinction between passive and active euthanasia

A. Doctor, patient and family should work together

B. Passive euthanasia should be decriminalized

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of euthanasia. This practice will be considered from the perspective of the patient, doctor, family, attorney and church. Euthanasia can be defined as either having or producing "a quiet and easy death" (Kluge 11). There are two basic types of euthanasia. Passive euthanasia refers simply to "allowing the patient to die in comfort" whereas active euthanasia involves "taking active measures to end life" (Kluge 11). People in modern societies tend to object more strongly to the idea of active euthanasia than they do to passive euthanasia. This is because the difference between the two practices marks

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y is normally the premier consideration of decision making" (Walton 150). It may be noted that the issue of euthanasia is not limited strictly to the concerns of the patient, family and doctor. In addition, it has become a hotly-debated legal and moral issue. In fact, the current laws which prohibit euthanasia are themselves based on ethical issues. It is commonly accepted that euthanasia may in many cases bring an end to the suffering of a terminally ill patient. However, in the laws of modern Western societies, "this is not considered sufficient reason to set aside the prohibition on killing" (Rachels 32). Moral restrictions against the taking of life under any circumstances have always been an important aspect of Western civilization. Thus, both active and passive euthanasia are currently illegal because current laws are based on the belief that "every life is to be preserved as long as possible - no matter what its quantity or quality" (Trubo 28). There are a number of differing viewpoints on the topic of euthanasia among members of the legal profession. For example, many lawyers favor legalizing euthanasia because they are committed to the idea that patient's rights are the most important factor in any such medical
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Approximate Word count = 2636
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page)

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