Should euthanasia be practiced in medicine...?

Question

A little background knowledge on the matter prior to your responses would make it more valuable to be discussed...

Answer 1

If we adhere to the original Hippocratic Oath, we shouldn't. ("I will give no deadly medicine to anyone, if asked, nor suggest any such counsel")

Nevertheless, there are people living such painful lives that we must improve efforts to make them comfortable, even if it risks speeding up their demise. But the purpose of treatment must be to relieve pain and suffering, not to cause death. My opinion! Opponents call it hair splitting.

Euthanasia is legal in the Netherlands. They have one of the world's longest life expectancies, but in 2002, about 1.2% of deaths were by euthanasia.

Answer 2

It depends on what you mean by Euthanasia. Some people include putting someone on comfort cares only when any further treatment is futile and only cause to lengthen the duration of a painful death. I consider euthanasia to be taking an active role in hastening or even causing a death to relieve someone's pain, which I am against.
Many people consider the role of medicine to save someone's life at all costs. The say " why should we play God and decide it is someone's time to die?" That is complete crap. Ending a painful course of chemotherapy that will only prolong someone's suffering is not playing God. I believe anyone who says that needs to check their beliefs. God will take that patient whenever he damn well pleases despite our best efforts.
The role of the physician and the healthcare field in general is to help people to live BETTER, not longer. To keep someone's heart beating when they can no longer speak and are in a world of pain is simply cruel and selfish. You do what you can to releive their pain and let nature run it's course.

"Death is not the failure of medicine, it is the last act of life" Patch Adams MD

Answer 3

A very good question. I find it odd that society deems it "humane" to euthanize our pets that are suffering. We say its better for them, but they dont have no way of telling us whether it is what they want or not, but still it is deemed "humane". On the other hand we as humans do have a voice to when we think enough is enough. Yet society (the medical profession) continues to dictate to us what is RIGHT for us. Its almost like they are playing God. Who gives them that right? God? I realize that those that suffer from mental illness suffer also and I am not saying that euthanesia is the choice for their ills, but for those truly suffering bodily they should have the option.

Answer 4

No. It crosses a line in medicine that shouldn't be crossed. If society decides on euthanasia, it should be done by others.
Besides, we doctors kill enough people without even trying.

Answer 5

i think that if a person is of sane mind and are old and feel they are ready to die then yes i dont see why not. its their decision and as long as nothing is affecting their judgement like medication then they should be allowed to do that.