Practical challenges with active and passive euthanasia
In this chapter, the authors discuss some of the ethical and practical challenges with active and passive euthanasia. Please write a minimum 300-word response that addresses the following three prompts:
Do you agree or disagree with euthanasia? Explain your reasoning.
Does your opinion on euthanasia change when it comes to animals (i.e., putting a pet to sleep)? If so, why? If not, why do you believe other’s opinions may change concerning animals vs. humans?
Before answering the third question, review the following scenario: Your parent – or another close relative/partner – is dying from an extremely painful and incurable form of cancer. When they are on sufficient pain medications, they are nearly comatose, but when they do not take sufficient pain medicines, they are in unbearable pain. Doctors have indicated that there is a very high likelihood that things will only get worse until death. As a result, your parent/relative/partner has decided to elect Physician Assisted Suicide because they do not want to suffer anymore from their cancer or the side effects of the medication, and they want to die on their own terms.
What role – if any – would you be willing to assist your parent or close relative in euthanasia in the scenario described above? If so, to what degree? If not, what actions would your take in discouraging their action?
Separate your three responses to the above prompts into three separate paragraphs. Failure to do so will result in a point deduction.
Sample Solution
I agree with euthanasia provided it is done in certain situations and under certain conditions. In my opinion, it should only be considered when a patient is facing an incurable and terminal illness that causes immense suffering or pain with no reasonable chance of recovery or improvement. This decision should not be taken lightly as it is an irreversible action, thus it must always be done in accordance with the wishes of the individual involved and after consultation with their family members (Quill 1995). Furthermore, I believe that euthanasia should take place with the help of trained professionals who understand how to properly administer medications so as to ensure that death occurs quickly and without unnecessary discomfort (McKay et al., 2018).
My opinion about euthanasia does not change when applied to animals. As long as the same criteria for human euthanasia are met – i.e., incurable illness causing intense suffering — then I think putting down a pet can also be seen as humane if this alleviates its pain in its last days. Additionally, since animals do not have the same capacity for understanding their situation compared to humans they may benefit more from being put down than they would suffer trying to stay alive while enduring their terminal condition (Bonnett 2019). Ultimately then, I do not feel my opinion on this matters changes between humans and animals; however I recognize why others may feel differently due to factors such as cultural views or emotional attachments.
Overall then, my stance on euthanasia remains unchanged regardless if we are discussing humans or pets; however I acknowledge that other people’s opinions may differ depending on various influences. Nevertheless all decisions related to this matter must adhere strictly follow professional guidelines and never be taken lightly since once completed cannot easily undone.
