Is euthanasia outlawed in the U.S., so the medical industry can make huge profits off dying persons?

Question

Keeping people suffering and living a little longer makes the drug industry and others massive profits, as someone pointed out in a previous answer. Is that a good reason for depriving euthanasia to Americans, while some other countries show their compassion for those who are suffering?

Answer 1

It is legal in Oregon.

Answer 2

It's not quite outlawed throught the US, there are some states experimenting with 'right to die' legislation, and cases have made thier way through the courts.

The objection to euthanasia is primarily moral - many religions teach that suicide is unacceptable, that it imperrils the soul, insults the creator, or whatever - and even secular humanists might consider it a violation of the basic human right to life.

For similar reasons, western medicine has long been obsessed with extending life span, rather than maximizing overall quality of life. That has led to life-saving and life-extending technologies being pushed more heavily, and developed and employed even when outlandishly expensive.

If we could get past these backwards ideas, we could, indeed, cut the overall costs of medical care substantially, and improve the quality of life for most people, throughtout thier (possibly a little shorter) lives.

Answer 3

If it isn't the reason it sure as heck is a lucky break for the health care business. My belief in luck doesn't stretch that far.

Living Wills are a good first step toward bringing sanity to this hot topic but it's not likely we'll see real reform in the current laws governing euthanasia; too many religious stalwarts out there. Dr, Kervorkian had the right idea and look what happened to him.

Answer 4

No, I think many medical providers would love to euthanize the elderly. About half of what is billed for the elderly doesn't get paid -- their debts die with them.

There is a major ethical dilemma here. I personally believe in euthanasia-- if they want to go, let them. But. . . if we allowed it to happen, then it may get to the point where some feel the "need" to euthanize themselves for the sake of their family -- to ensure that their children have money left over from their estates. There may also eventually be an "encouragement" to euthanize when you hit a certain age -- and then the elderly will be looked down upon because they didn't choose to kill themselves.

Answer 5

It's outlawed because we don't snuff people out in a civilized society just because they are sick.

Bit if it was legal, wouldn't there be profits to be made from the euthanasia industry?

Answer 6

That is a double edged sword. Only an individual can make the decision for themself as to what is more important...life or quality of life and at what expense... make your living will today!

Answer 7

No I don't think so. The Republicans are greedy, but not that evil- I think they're afraid of abuses from the other end, namely killing people before their natural time, to save the HMO a few bucks. When to end a life is a very complicated question.

Answer 8

Sure it is. That's the only possible explaination. We don't let animals suffer, do we? I think it's high time we grant our parents and grandparents the same dignified death we'd grant a damned dog!

Answer 9

i agree. they milk every dime out of a person until, and sometimes after they die. i think it's immoral and inhuman. i don't believe in euthanasia, i just think people should be allowed to die naturally and with dignity.

Answer 10

no it is outlawed because it is murder. say someone does not have insurance whats to keep the DR. or hospital from pulling the plug prematurely. or getting that inheritance sooner.