Euthanasia has generated considerable debate in society. The question often posed is who has the right to choose death. Euthanasia relates to the concept of voluntary death. According to most legal jurisdictions, it is often assumed that the right to death can be conferred to one by the state and or the Supreme Being. In that context, it is the contention of this paper that the right to death or life remains with the Almighty, and no human being has a right over life. It is consequently the argument of this paper that euthanasia has no place in society and that a patient regardless of the state of being needs to be cared and attended to up to the point of natural death.
Medical professionals in support of euthanasia have often advanced the point that in some cases living is encumbered with pain and suffering. Moreover, in most cases the patient will eventually die. They consequently argue that in order to save the patient and his relatives and friends from the stresses of life and financial distress, it is prudent to voluntarily do away with the life. This paper opposes that view. Indeed, some cases entail pain and suffering complete with economic and social costs. However, the right to life is sacred and at the discharge of the Supreme Being. It is, therefore, important to protect that life and inculcate into society a culture of sacredness of life and the protection of the sanctity of life.
In that context, doctors should advice their patients and relatives to these patients against opting for euthanasia. The sanctity of life and the fact that its giver is God need to be respected. The onus is upon the doctors to ensure that is held and observed.
References
Cavell, S. (2005). Philosophy:The Day After Tomorrow. New York: Harvard University Press.
Velasquez, M. (2011). Philosophy:A Text With Readings. New York: Cengage Learning.
