by Katie Johnson

Created on: June 13, 2008

Euthanasia

The idea of death is to most individuals terrifying, could someone really give up hope enough to ask for a lethal injection? The terms assisted suicide or euthanasia are often used to describe this "medical procedure." I firmly disagree that it is in fact a medical procedure. The sole desire for anyone in the medical profession is that they are there to help save lives not take them. The fact that a doctor would assist a patient in suicide irks me.

Euthanasia is illegal in most states but in Oregon, and in many of the World's other countries, it is allowed. I have examined every aspect of why this situation could come about and each one has left me with a negative answer. The first situation is that if one of my family members was in pain and I was the sound mind that could make the decision for this procedure, could I do it? My immediate answer is no, because I could never give the word to just give up hope on someone. As someone who is going to be working in the medical field I am set out to help save lives, not take them especially when that particular person is a family member. I could never understand why someone would just give up on another person's life, there is always hope. Euthanasia should be illegal in all parts of the world.
The second scenario given is if an individual, when of sound mind, states that they want euthanasia if they ever get so sick or are pronounced terminally ill. I disagree still yet, this should not be an option. With the medical advances and the medications available in this time there should not be an option to just give up. People should have more confidence in the medical advancements available. If the person was not meant to live then they will die without euthanasia. I stand firmly against even the idea of assisted suicide, lethal injection, or euthanasia whichever you choose to call it, it is wrong.
The third and final scenario is that if I was pronounced terminally ill, would I ask for euthanasia. I thought about this one harder because it deals with me and would it be selfish to ask people to take care of me when I can not do it myself. So, then I thought if I would not give up hope on someone else why should I give up on myself? The answer is I wouldn't. The thought of death for me is unsettling I would never voluntarily give in to death. I have too much to live for, family, friends and my career.
In conclusion, the act of euthanasia is wrong and probably only came about through a lazy doctor who had no good intention. I thought about the three scenarios and read other's stories about how it was offered to them and they lived because they refused. I couldn't imagine someone who is supposed to be saving my life coming to me and suggesting that I give in to death. I have too much hope and I pray that anyone faced with this horrible decision will say no and give life one more chance.

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