Is Mercy Killing the Killing of Mercy?
...forms the last act that intentionally causes a patient’s death, it is euthanasia. An example would be a doctor giving a patient a lethal injection. Oppositely, if the person who dies performs the last act, it is classified as assisted suicide. An example would be if a person swallows an overdose of drugs that has been provided by a doctor for the purpose of causing death. Another prime example would be if a patient pushes a switch to trigger a fatal injection after the doctor has inserted an intravenous needle into the patient’s vein.(Marker&Hamlon) There are many acceptable reasons for euthanasia, the number one reason of course being pain. Another reason for patients turning to euthanasia is psychological suffering. Many begin to hallucinate or have constant nightmares about random things, from treatment events to neglect from family or friends. These are mainly stress issues. I believe within boundaries, euthanasia can be actively used in these types of scenarios. On the other hand, many elderly patients who become suddenly handicapped fear losing their independence. As driving is nearly their final link to independence, once hearing the words such as, “you will never walk again,” “you are permanently blind” or any other derogative statements, one may turn to a form of suicide. Practicing this type of euthanasia should not be allowed. It is as though someone is just giving up. Also, I do not believe any patient seeking out Dr. Kevorkian is an answer to their problem. No way should anyone be allowed to seek out a random man, who is a doctor affiliated with no hospital, for assistance in death, and claim euthanasia. Serious illnesses involve an interminable amount of emotional stress. The stress affects physicians, spouses, friends, family, and the patients themselves. Loved ones, who are often not ready to let go, put extreme pressure on the patients. Often the patient does not know how to express the thought of euthanasia to others, feeling guilt or shame. Family members, friends, and spouses are often left with the decision to enact the euthanasia practice. Finally, what are the doctors suppose to assume if they make the wrong decision? They too, along with family or friends, will face lawsuits, hassle, anger from aggressors, as well as the sense of guilt. Overall, enacting euthanasia decreases lengthy stress periods for everyone. Next, very few hospitals offer a cheap line of service. After so long, how can one afford to have life plugged into a “million-dollar” machine? According the Marker and Hamlon, euthanasia could be used as a means of health care cost containment. “The least costly treatment for any illness is lethal medication.” (Marker and Hamlon) When someone has been unconscious or seriously ill for a lengthy period of time, especially situations illustrating a low chance of recovery, it is in the best interest of the patient, or family members, to exercise euthanasia. Instead of putting somebody in a situation so far beyond return, why not remove them from the hospital and let them live out the rest of their life in happiness? Berger & Berger have stated, “A very seasonab...