Mercy Killing
In this world there are always constant battles between what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes these battles are within ourselves, sometimes they are within a society. Undoubtedly one of the most controversial subjects in our society is that of euthanasia. The only states that allow euthanasia are Oregon and Washington and with stories like that of "Dr. Death" swirling around the media, the subject seems to be becoming more and more taboo.
The definition of euthanasia is "mercy killing." That is, the killing of people who are suffering from terminal illness and are in a great deal of pain. While this may seem like a humane way to die, many people believe that it goes against God and that it is classified as murder.
Euthanasia is a concept, it seems to me, that is in direct conflict with a religious and ethical tradition in which the human race is presented with " a blessing and a curse, life and death," and we are instructed '...therefore, to choose life."
However, on the other side of the spectrum, people believe that euthanasia offers a humane way to die and that it is seen as almost an act of kindness. The only way to really find your view on the issue is to ask yourself two questions, could I kill a loved one if they were suffering and would I want to be killed if I were in pain? These are the questions that over two hundred people have asked themselves in the state of Oregon from the years of 1997 to 2004. Now with the legalization of euthanasia in Washington, hundreds more will be asking these questions.
Many influential people have taken a stand on this issue, recently Hillary Clinton was asked how she felt saying,
"I believe it's within the province of the states to make that decision," said Clinton when asked by Wilson about her attitude toward assisted suicide. "I commend Oregon on this count, as well, because whether I agree with it or not or think it's a good idea or not, the fact that Oregon is breaking new ground and providing valuable information as to what does and doesn't work when it comes to end-of-life questions, I think, is very beneficial."
EUGENE, Oregon, April 7, 2008 (LifeSi... - Google Docs
The story of Dr. Kevorkian aka Dr. Death has been in the media for the past few years. He was a man that illegally offered the service of euthanasia to over 130 people, he said it was an act of mercy, the court system said it was murder. The United States has a long way to go before they fully except the idea of euthanasia and many people refuse to except it.
As more and more people begin learning about this issue more and more people are starting to wonder just what the end of their life could bring. It makes one look at things through a larger spectrum and be forced to ask themselves those two very difficult questions.
