The Pros And Cons Of Euthanasia

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The general argument in support of euthanasia is based on the desire for those who are in extreme mental or physical suffering to be relieved of their pain, in a way in which they can be surrounded by family rather than alone in suicide. Those in support of euthanasia argue that euthanasia is a more humane way of accepting a dying person’s wishes so that they will not resort to suicide. In 2014, a study in England revealed that 7 percent of suicides were by terminally ill people, so around 300 people a year if these figures were applied. 8While Catholics view euthanasia as a selfish choice, those who love the individual who wants to die may believe that we must respect that person's choice over their own lives, which is a way of loving them …show more content…

Pohier wrote, “because human beings receive their life from God and because they are made in His image through their freedom, they have the same right to exercise their choice in dying"10 Therefore, he argues that humans don’t disobey God’s plan by choosing to end their life through euthanasia. Instead, they are exercising the gift of free will that God has intentionally given to humans over their own lives. This is key to the relationship of ‘freedom with freedom’ between God and humans, as well as central to human nature. Other Catholic theologians who support euthanasia have similar view to those of Pohier. Catholic theologian Hans Küng agrees with Pohier about the importance of God’s creation of humans with free will, as well as stating that the belief in life after death means that we should not need to prolong life pointlessly. He states, “I am not so concerned about an endless prolongation of my life—certainly not under conditions that are no longer compatible with human dignity”.11 Catholics who argue against euthanasia would argue that although we should be heavenly minded, that should only inspire us to act according to God's plan in this life. In the parable of the talents, (Matthew 25:14-30), three servants were given bags of talents when their …show more content…

As Catholics believe that we should not judge the worth of life due to suffering, Catholics seek to make those who are suffering as comfortable as possible. Palliative care is care given to the dying in order to relieve suffering. In Evangelium Vitae, Pope John Paul II states that rather than agreeing for someone to be euthanised out of compassion, asking for euthanasia may be a plea for support and love. "True ‘compassion’ leads to sharing another's pain; it does not kill the person whose suffering we cannot bear."16 Catholics are therefore obliged to support those who are dying by surrounding them with love. This is a result of following the commandment to love one's neighbour, to seek to preserve and make their life better rather than end it. A social implication of belief in human dignity means Catholics wish to improve people’s quality of life, including making the dying process more comfortable. The dying process should be respected as something that is natural and intended by God. While we should seek to give support, and ease the pain with palliative care, it would be considered wrong to hasten this process such as with euthanasia, as the dying process was intended by God. As a result of this belief, Catholic groups in worldwide and in New Zealand have set up aged care homes and hospices, to provide care and support for those who are dying. The

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