Euthanasia

1268 Words3 Pages

Euthanasia According to recent research based on the death of patients with terminally ill cancer, it has been found that families tend to deal with the stress and grief of the death better if their loved ones die by euthanasia in comparison to those who die naturally. The research conducted in the Netherlands, asked family members and close friends about signs relating to depression, grief and post-traumatic stress due to the death. The research consisted of 510 people who had lost a family member or a close friend in the duration of 1992-1999. Questionnaires were sent to 316 people who lost someone as a result of natural cause and 189 people who lost someone as a result of euthanasia. The research found that family or friends of the patients who died as a result of euthanasia had less distressing symptoms than that the family or friends of patients who died a natural death. Researchers say the results were due to the fact that family members and close friends were able to be more prepared for the death. They had the chance to say their goodbyes, which in the case of natural death was not always possible. People could express how they feel by speaking more openly about it. Euthanasia is a debatable topic, which decides whether those with painful and terminal conditions or illnesses are to be provided a pain free channel of death, if asked for by them. The word euthanasia is of Greek origin meaning easy death, the taking of life to alleviate suffering. The meaning in medical terms is the sincerity offered, to a patient having incurable illness, by medical staff to ease the suffering or pain. There are two mai... ... middle of paper ... ...ing the problems cannot solve the problems. The more difficult and humane solution to human suffering is to address the problems. Software Comptons Complete Reference Collection Publisher: Comptons Complete Reference Collection the learning company {ref. Soft1} Websites ======== BBC ¦ Health ¦ Euthanasia grief less severe Article published 24th July 2003 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3092905.stm [Accessed 31st October 2003] {ref. Web1} BBC ¦ Health ¦ US mercy killing 'not a crime' Article published 23rd March 1999 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/301020.stm [Accessed article 1st November 2003] {ref. Web2} Books ===== WORDSWORTH REFERENCE ¦ The Wordsworth Encyclopaedia Published 1995 ¦ Volume 2 chubu-grig ¦ Page 765 {ref. Book1}

Open Document