Free Essays on The Ethical Dilemma Of Euthanasia

â€Å"In all our activities there is an end we seek for its own sake and everything else is a means to this end†¦Happiness is this ultimate end. It is the end we seek in all that we do.†(Aristotle, De Anima, bk.2, Ch.1.) This belief of Aristotle has validity for the pursuit of happiness. Most people live their life with this conviction; however, when happiness seems to be consumed by pain and suffering, some look for the gratification of their death. Today healthcare facilities are focusing their attention towards patient-centered care. This ultimately leads to patients demanding more independence when it involves their own mortality. Healthcare facilities along with state and federal governments are forced to review the current laws regarding euthanasia. In addition, physicians are compelled to obey the Hippocratic Oath, but are faced with certain cases of terminal illness; their ideals may be required to see alternatives. â€Å"I will follow that method of trea tment which according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patient and abstain from whatever is harmful or mischievous. I will neither prescribe nor administer a lethal dose of medicine to any patient even if asked nor counsel any such thing nor perform the utmost respect for every human life from fertilization to natural death and reject abortion that deliberately takes a unique human life.†(Hippocratic Oath) Euthanasia, a word derived from Greek culture meaning â€Å"good death†. Euthanasia is a politically correct term for mercy killing. It is the taking of ones life that is terminally and hopelessly ill. It may seem trivial to some, but for ones who face this dilemma with a loved one it has significant meaning. My emphasis will be distinguishing the differences between active, passive, voluntary, and non-voluntary euthanasia as well as ethically, justifying euthanasia. It is unfortunate for some who do not have a pleasant death. It is in... Free Essays on The Ethical Dilemma Of Euthanasia Free Essays on The Ethical Dilemma Of Euthanasia â€Å"In all our activities there is an end we seek for its own sake and everything else is a means to this end†¦Happiness is this ultimate end. It is the end we seek in all that we do.†(Aristotle, De Anima, bk.2, Ch.1.) This belief of Aristotle has validity for the pursuit of happiness. Most people live their life with this conviction; however, when happiness seems to be consumed by pain and suffering, some look for the gratification of their death. Today healthcare facilities are focusing their attention towards patient-centered care. This ultimately leads to patients demanding more independence when it involves their own mortality. Healthcare facilities along with state and federal governments are forced to review the current laws regarding euthanasia. In addition, physicians are compelled to obey the Hippocratic Oath, but are faced with certain cases of terminal illness; their ideals may be required to see alternatives. â€Å"I will follow that method of trea tment which according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patient and abstain from whatever is harmful or mischievous. I will neither prescribe nor administer a lethal dose of medicine to any patient even if asked nor counsel any such thing nor perform the utmost respect for every human life from fertilization to natural death and reject abortion that deliberately takes a unique human life.†(Hippocratic Oath) Euthanasia, a word derived from Greek culture meaning â€Å"good death†. Euthanasia is a politically correct term for mercy killing. It is the taking of ones life that is terminally and hopelessly ill. It may seem trivial to some, but for ones who face this dilemma with a loved one it has significant meaning. My emphasis will be distinguishing the differences between active, passive, voluntary, and non-voluntary euthanasia as well as ethically, justifying euthanasia. It is unfortunate for some who do not have a pleasant death. It is in...