Euthanasia and the Elderly Introduction One of t

However, not all people are content to allow the process of their dying to play out naturally, or to be prolonged indefinitely by an increasingly sophisticated medical establishment. Some people, because of pain, terminal illness, despair, or other causes wish to gain control of their dying and obtain assistance in that dying through the use of euthanasia.

It is important to start with a clear understanding of the term "euthanasia." The word itself is derived from the Greek. It combines Greek forms that mean well and death. In other words, this is one of the earlier attempts to think about a good death. In Webster's, among the meanings of the word are one that emphasizes euthanasia as an easy and painless death, and another that defines the word as an act or method of causing death painlessly. It is the latter meaning that is the subject of public and legal debate.

It is impossible to tell the prevalence of euthanasia at this time. There are indications that it is more widespread than is expected. For example, in

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at are undermined by supporting euthanasia. These include the relationship between physician and patient, or the general relationship between the health car system and patients, and the community's interest in preventing suicide. He also indicated that advocacy for pain relief is compromised by euthanasia, although that is not as clear. He contended that the pressure toward pain relief comes from the fact that suffering patients have no other option but the nurturing and empathic care of physicians and nurses. If euthanasia becomes an available, and accepted, option, this pressure toward better pain relief measures may subside. On the other hand, compelling arguments are made by the elderly and disabled themselves in favor of their need for access to support of their wish to die before being totally consumed by mental, physical, and spiritual pain. One story illustrates the situation of the many of the elderly. A Canadian woman, Jean Brush, killed her elderly husband, at this request, and attempted to kill herself. He was suffering from Alzheimer's disease, blind, and wishing to be released from his suffering. Although Jean Brush succeeded in euthanizing him, she did not die herself, but was brought to trial. At that t
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Approximate Word count = 2109
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)

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