Death and Freedom

Abstract

In a perfect world we wouldn't have to make a choice between empathy and morality, but this world isn't perfect. This essay sets out to prove that while euthanasia, including assisted dying and mercy killing, is a difficult and sometimes impossible choice to make, we should respect and honor the wishes of people who choose this path, and recognize that if there is a way of relieving another human being from incurable and agonizing suffering, even if it goes against one's personal morals, it should be taken. Social constructs and misled notions of right and wrong, and a knee-jerk reaction of horror to the word ‘euthanasia', have made this issue deliberately obtuse. In mulishly insisting that the issue is black and white – Euthanasia is murder and murder is evil – certain ‘religion and humanity advocates' have caused more harm than good. Consider the following situations: A young woman who knows and fears that she is going to die painfully unless the law allows her doctor to assist her with her death, a Down's baby born with an incomplete esophagus which reduces her life to a few weeks of unbelievable suffering, a woman paralyzed from the neck down with no hopes of ever recovering – what is the ‘right' thing to do in these cases? For these people and hundreds all over America, the thought of a painless death is a source of relief, not fear. In recent years there have been organizations and laws that allow a person to choose their own manner of death if they are terminally ill, much to the relief of such patients and their family members. Although parts of this issue are still too controversial to legitimize, such as neonatal and incompetent adult mercy killing, what is required is a shift in thinking and general opinion - euthanasia should at the very least be considered a viable option when faced with an almost insurmountable and hopeless situation.

It is easy to descend into emotional and philosophical debate when discussing euthanasia, but from a purely logical, analytical point of view it is simply the only humane option available sometimes. When we see animals caught alive in a trap, we either save them or put them out of their misery, but we do not let them suffer. These are beings capable of mental thought and feelings, but when they are unable to ease their own suffering, it is our moral obligation to help them. Also bring in mind our treatment of criminals who have been given the death penalty.