Euthanasia

Whether or not Euthanasia and assisted suicide should be legalized is one of the most hotly debated legal and ethical issues. Proponents of legalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia often defend their case by mixing two types of argument. One is based on social policy; the other is related to individuals their liberty, dignity, and pain and suffering. Some of these arguments are, in my view, flawed, and are inadequate to justify the legalization of assisted …

…in despair or out of mercy. However, this does not mean that we should give legal approval to killing. When we refuse to collaborate in suicide, we must, though, reassure people that they are not a burden to us and that we will relieve their suffering. It implies appropriate pain relief, palliative care, and adequate support of relatives and friends. This should not be forgotten when decisions about the future of health care are made.