Euthanasia, otherwise known as assisted suicide or “death with dignity” is an incredibly challenging topic from the medical perspective, the right for autonomy, and from the religious or ethical standpoint. Generally speaking, euthanasia is not legal in most countries throughout the world and although one could understand the complexity in the nature of the practice, there is something to be said when looking at it through the experience of an individual who feels as if his or her life is not one worth living. The Spanish film, “The Sea Inside” focuses on the life of a paraplegic man who is requesting the government of Spain to allow him to partake in an assisted suicide. Ramon Sampedro, the main character of the film who has been confined to 28 years in bed after breaking his neck resulting in paralysis of his entire body, fights for his right to die (“The Sea Inside” 2004). Watching Ramon describe his life and the lack of dignity he experiences as a bed ridden individual left to rely on others, provides insight into the suffering that would lead one to want to bring an end to his or her life (“The Sea Inside” 2004). The film explores the topic from the perspective of an individual who suffers so desperately that death is the only dignified option. Ramon’s story provides an argument in favor of euthanasia that should be considered by all those who find the idea unethical or sacrilegious.
The topic of euthanasia is highly controversial due to the role medical professionals’ play in providing the prescriptions used to assist in suicide, which poses an ethical dilemma for the health care industry. Beauchamp provides a helpful assessment of the “four principles of health care ethics,” which did not become a focused undertaking of the medical community until after the 1970’s (Beauchamp 2007). Beauchamp, who co-authored the book, “Principles of Biomedical Ethics” with James F. Childress, brought forth a “new proposal that the traditional preoccupation of health care with the beneficence-based model of health care ethics be replaced by the autonomy model” so that it incorporates a wider array of social concerns focusing on social justice (Beauchamp 3). This approach is much more inclusive to the diverse array of people and predicaments that people face.
When looking at ethics from the autonomy-based model it is essential to consider the opinions and feedback of the patient to be equally as valuable as what medical professionals recommend. There are many options provided by the medical community on prolonging one’s life and options for making one comfortable when facing a debilitating illness. However, if the patient who suffers is requesting an early death to minimize the suffering that only he or she experiences, then it seems to be ethically sound even from the medical professional’s view. True autonomy would mean that only the individual has the right to decide for themselves the best option, which may include an early death to avoid extended suffering that can rob the individual of dignity. Going back to Ramon’s story, he clearly was not benefitting from living life, as a man restricted from the fulfillment of normal life events, he was suffering deeply as he lay in one spot day in and day out without any hope for a better outcome. Respecting this man would mean that even if one disagreed with his outlook and choice, he should have the ultimate say so in the decision on how he will end his life. Abiding by his wishes would be an honest example of respecting autonomy.
In Ramon’s case, things are further complicated as a result of the power of the Catholic Church’s influence in Spain’s legal system. In the Catholic religion, “intentionally causing one's own death, or suicide, is therefore equally as wrong as murder; such an action on the part of a person is to be considered as a rejection of God's sovereignty and loving plan,” which deems it a sin and opposed by the church ("Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Declaration on Euthanasia"). The film further emphasizes the mistake they think Ramon is making by involving a paraplegic priest who disagrees with Ramon’s decision, while providing vague evidence with his life as a life worth living.
The problem is not something that can be compared or generalized across the board; rather it is an individual choice and will differ from person to person. Not every person suffering wants to turn to suicide as an option, and not every person suffering feels the need to extend their life if the future is most assuredly bleak. Perhaps another way to better understand the idea of euthanasia can be posed like this- it is inhumane and unethical to allow one to continue to suffer in a life of misery despite their wish to die with dignity. Scientifically, one cannot justify the arguments presented by the church, and in terms of right and wrong there are no “hard and fast” rules valid enough to consider. The rules set by the Catholic Church do not apply to those who do not practice the religion, which is why the church’s input should not be taken into consideration by law makers.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops made a statement on physician-assisted suicide, which provides some considerations for viewing the topic of euthanasia from a different perspective. As the statement makes it clear that the church continues to disagree with the idea of legalizing euthanasia, they also try to detour from the conversation by placing the burden of responsibility in the hands of friends and families of people suffering from health problems ("To Live Each Day with Dignity: A Statement of Physician- Assisted Suicide"2011). It is fair and even understandable that the advice from the religious authority figures is to find a more meaningful and fulfilling way to carry on with life without turning towards the finality of death. However, one must not forget or ignore the reality that not all people believe or practice the same rules and beliefs as Christians.
In conclusion, euthanasia is dignified and justifiable. One could even concur that it is the most ethical option for those who face life under such unbearable terms. It is not a choice that should be made by “others” because it is the most serious decision that one will ultimately make in life. It is disrespectful to enforce religious beliefs from one group onto others, only to further ignore autonomy. After all, when the individual has come to the conclusion of death as the final answer, her or she will find a way to proceed as Ramon Sampedro ultimately did. It would be much kinder and humane to allow doctors to provide the least difficult method of ending one’s life than forcing the individual to create a situation that may put loved ones in legal trouble or to die alone.
Works Cited
Beauchamp, Tom L. "The 'Four Principles" Approach to Health Care Ethics." Principles of
Health Care Ethics. By Richard E. Ashcroft. Chichester, West Sussex, England: John
Wiley & Sons, 2007. 3-10. Print.
"Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Declaration on Euthanasia." Vatican. N.p.,
<http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc
_19800505_euthanasia_en.html>.
The Sea Inside = Mar Adentro. Dir. Alejandro Amenabar. Perf. Javier Bardem, Belén Rueda,
Lola Dueñas, Mabel Rivera, and Celso Bugallo. 2004.
"To Live Each Day with Dignity: A Statement of Physician- Assisted Suicide." United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops. Washington D.C. 16 June 2011. Address.
