Kristen+On+Kevorkian+and+Euthanasia

Euthanasia is the act of killing someone painlessly in order to relieve suffering from an incurable illness (dictionary.com). Euthanasia is, and has been a very controversial issue across the United States. With the advancement of science and technology in the medical field, this topic has become very controversial. At first, this idea seems inhumane; it is an unwritten duty that citizens preserve life whether it be a newborn baby or an elderly person on their death bed. People look up to physicians and medical professionals to save lives, not to end them. Many argue that euthanasia is sheer murder; however, when looking into the multiple factors, one can see that it is truly mercy to the afflicted patient. The 8th amendment states that “excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted,” meaning that all citizens are protected from cruel and unusual punishments. This document itself should prove Dr. Admiraal an innocent man. His intention with Esther was to relieve him from his cruel and painful punishment of suffering every day. The 9th amendment backs up Dr. Admiraal as well. The 9th amendment states that “the enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people”. In other words, to protect rights that are not granted in the Constitution. Dr. Admiraal was respecting his patient’s rights and granting him his wishes. Most importantly, the 14th amendment grants citizens the right to “life, liberty, and property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws”. A person is granted the right to property, but not all people have it. A person is also granted the right to life, but why do they have to choose it if they are terminally ill and suffering? A person should be entitled to their body and their choices, it is alright for others to influence their decision, but ultimately it is their body, soul, and choice. The Catholic Church on the other hand disagrees completely with Dr. Admiraal and his supporters. The “Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith” states that human life is valuable, no matter what state it’s in. Life is a right and God has a plan for everyone. It is stated in this declaration that “believers see in life something greater, namely a gift of God’s love, which they are called upon to preserve and make fruitful”. Murder of any kind, with the exception of passive euthanasia, is not permitted. The act of Dr. Admiraal is viewed as murder to the Catholics; not an act of mercy like Admiraal sees it. I am a Catholic, however I disagree with the church believes on euthanasia. My grandma on my mothers side died from cancer when I was in the third grade. Her treatment was long and painful, but she was a strong Catholic so she continued her treatment until her weak lungs eventually gave out. Having my mom on the other side of the Country for long periods of time was hard on my father and my sisters. My dad had to step up and take the position of my mother while she cared for her mom. The day my mom’s mother ended up passing away was one I will never forget. I had never seen my mom in tears until this day; it was frightening. I almost wish my grandma had been let out of her misery through active euthanasia. It would have been easier on her and my family. Just two weeks ago, my father’s mother had a stroke. She is now paralyzed on her right side and currently living in a nursing home. She is in such pain, but not as much as the loved ones around her. If this continues for at least a year then I think it would be acceptable to consider euthanasia. Although it is very hard to let my grandma go, it would be the least selfish thing to do. Allison Davis is a perfect example of someone living with a physical disability that still lived her life to the fullest. Born with myelomeningocele spina bifidia, Allison believes she is fortunate to have not had her life taken away from her at birth. She speaks of how “no doctor could have predicted” that when she was 28 days old that “despite (her) physical problems, (she) would lead such a full and happy life”. Allison cherishes every moment and, like the Catholic church, she is against active euthanasia. The concept of Euthanasia in general is often misunderstood. The legalization of euthanasia would not mean that any person, whatsoever, can receive treatment. There are multiple steps and requirements for the procedure to even be considered. If the advanced treatment of euthanasia were legalized, it would still be difficult to receive without lots of time, money, and patience. Currently, two out of fifty states in America have legalized euthanasia; Washington and Oregon. Although they have given their citizens the “right to die”, it is not as simple as signing a document. In Oregon, a potential patient must meet multiple qualifications including; being at least eighteen years old, having two requests to die within two weeks, obtaining a confirmation from two doctors that the patient has no longer than six months to live, and that he or she is not suffering from any mental illness-including depression. “ Since 2002 about 40 Oregonians each year have taken advantage of the law, the majority being elderly and close to death”. In all honesty, euthanasia is a topic that makes me confused and depressed. I myself have never been in a situation where I have had to consider the option, and I fear the day when I may have to. I am not sure what I would want to do for myself and what would be easier on my family and friends. However, I do know that other people should be able to make that decision for themselves, no matter what government, doctors, or religions “encourage” the patient to do. It will be interesting to follow this controversial issue and see what the result is. It is to my assumption that it will one day be legal in all fifty states of America; however there will most likely be lots of restrictions and paperwork. Even today if someone desires euthanasia they can easily go to one of the two legal states and have the procedure carried through, so why not make it legal for all fifty states.