Why is abortion legal but euthanasia is not?

Question

So a mother can decide if she wants a doctor to take her unborn baby's life.


But when I'm on my death bed I have to suffer and can't decide if I want a doctor to take my life?


That's saying that I can't make my own decision on having my life ended but a mother can decide for an unborn baby.


I'm all about less government but what is the difference?

Answer 1

You have asked a wonderful question!

Unfortunately, several of the people who have already answered have said it correctly...the liberals have said that abortion is okay simply because they do not believe a fetus is a viable human life.

This law could be overturned if the conservatives would just make a stand against it! But for that to happen, people would have to make a commitment to stand up for something...and that, in itself, is the whole problem.

Answer 2

Fundamentally, if someone, or something is regarded as being alive, then it is illegal to assist in killing that someone/something.

Euthanasia isn't illegal everywhere in the world. Do a wiki search and you should be able to find at least 1 country where it is not illegal. But then again, there are parameters before you can assist someone to die, perhaps pre-conditioned upon terminal illnesses etc... and not just because one "decides" to die. Making euthanasia legal also has its dangers. Someone could forge a consent as a defence to a pre-meditated murder. So whether to permit euthanasia is a decision that has to be weighted very carefully.

Onto abortion, the medical profession and the religious leaders have to reach a consensus as to what constitute "life". Very early development of fetus is usually not regarded as "life" as such and therefore abortion is legal. It's all a matter of the stage of the fetal development, and the division of "life" and "not life" is really illusory, though a necessary arbitrary line that has to be drawn. Again, whether to push abortion right up to late fetal development, or reel back such right in order to protect "life" would depend on the general value of the community.

Answer 3

The legal reason for abortion to be allowed is because a "foetus" is not a viable life (meaning that there is a possibility of live outside of the womb) in the eyes of the law until 24 weeks. Before that is when abortions are performed. I do not agree with abortion in any way, in fact, I am very strongly opposed. I believe life starts at conception.
As for euthanasia, if I am lying in agony, with a terminal illness and I have no chance of reprieve, just try and stop me ending my own life. As an adult, and of sound mind, I should be able to choose whether to prolong my life or not.

Answer 4

It is coming.

The problem with euthanasia is the cases where it is being abused like in Holland where doctors prescribe leath meds to older people and they are not aware of it. The children figure it is time for that person to die.


You do have some rights to limit heroic efforts and make sure you have a living will and all your love ones and doctor knows your wishes and well documented.

Answer 5

I agree with you, but I believe that abortion proponents would make the (terrible) argument that an unborn child isn't a person (a human being with rights, like you and I). Non-persons don't have a right to life, in other words, and can be indiscriminately killed at the discretion of the mother, whereas persons have the "obligation" of life, can't kill themselves or enlist others to kill them, which I think is insane.

I'd rather have a consent-based system, where we can do whatever we want as long as every party involved consents to the action. So, if you want to sell me drugs and I want to buy drugs, then our exchange would be just and lawful. If you are terminal and want me to kill you, and I am willing to do so, then the act would be just and lawful, as well. And since I consider the unborn human beings WITH rights, then to terminate a pregnancy would require the consent of the human being whose life is being taken.

Answer 6

Some countries allow euthanasia,but ours don't because they think people will get carried away. I don't know if you remember Dr. Jack Kevorkian,or Dr Death as they call him. He used to assist people in committing suicide. He was relased from prison not to long ago. I think people should have the right to die if they are so sick and don't want to live like that any more.

Answer 7

I agree. I think individuals should be allowed to make the choice on ending their lives. Especially when it comes to overall quality of life. Personally, if I were quadriplegic or had no knowledge of anything or anyone, I don't want to live anymore. Don't make me suffer with a life I can't live anymore just because you want to keep me around.

Now I do think there should be guidelines as well. No, you can't come in and request euthanasia because your house is going into foreclosure and your dog ran off. I really think it should only be about TRUE quality of life. The quality of life that can't EVER be changed.

Answer 8

Abortion is worse, of course.

Euthanasia is another liberal program for the most part, and while it may sound okay, it could lead down a slope that will eliminate people over 65 who don't have a so-called "quality of life" according to some arbitrary liberal standard, or those who may be so unfortunate as to acquire a minor ailment.

Hitler also masqueraded things as "euthanasia," in his complete campaign in ruling who should live or die.

Answer 9

Simple, the left has decided that the unborn are not humans yet.

Ironically, Vick will do time for animal abuse but killing your unborn is okay.

Go figure.

Answer 10

euthanasia is legal in one country i for get what one. and as for abortion that is different when the mum chose to do that then that is something that will haunt her for the rest of her life !but some cases it is needed