NGO related with our issue

The world Medical Association (WMA) is related with our controversial issue, euthanasia, I think.This was founded on 17 September 1947 to ensure the independence of physicians, and to work for the highest possible standards of ethical behavior and care by physicians, at all time.

The WMA provides ethical guidance to physicians through its Declarations, Resolutions, and Statements.

The WMA is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). Other health professional associations, governmental and non-governmental agencies and regional medical associations are supporting the work of WMA.


↓　The following is quotations of the WMA webpage. ↓
1. The World Medical Association reaffirms its strong belief that euthanasia is in conflict with basic ethical principles of medical practice, and
2. The World Medical Association strongly encourages all National Medical Associations and physicians to refrain from participating in euthanasia, even if national law allows it or decriminalizes it under certain conditions.

〔My overall impression〕
I found that WMA is absolutely opposed to euthanasia whether it is patient’s will or not. Moreover, although some countries approve euthanasia in law, they are against euthanasia. The point of view of WMA is based on ethics, so I think they are sensitive to life problem. As I said before, I haven't decided yet which sides I stand. However, I come to think that positive euthanasia isn't illegal act. In my opinion, WMA thinks that the only thing physicians have to do is doing their best to save patients life. Of course, this is not wrong, but I think physicians have to respect patients' will even if they wish to stop medical treatment.
I confuse little by little, so I'll put my thoughts together next time.

Citation site:
"Policy." THE WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 30 May 2007 .
http://www.wma.net/e/

Terri Schiavo

In our last class, someone referred to Terri Schiavo, so I checked her on the Internet.

Terri Schiavo, American, was a normal housewife. However, she collapsed in her home suddenly on February 25, 1990 because of brain damage. Her reapiration and heartbeat were stopped, and she became persistent vegetative state (PVS). In 1998, Michael Schiavo, her husband, petitioned the Pinellas County Circuit Court to remove her feeding tube, but Robert and Mary Schindler, her parents, objected to this. The Governor of Florida and President of the United States designed laws to prevent removal of Schiavo's feeding tube, but these laws were regarded as unconstitutional and overturned by the supreme courts of Florida and the United States.

References : Wikipedia

This is matter of Terri Schiavo.
I didn't know this matter until now, but I found that this is just related to our topic. In case of Japan, like this matter may be taken as bigger and more serious problem. Actually, one of the doctors in Wakayama who released the respiratory organs came to be seen as a problem a few days ago. I found that the problems related to life and death are existed closely to us than I had expested.

About Euthanasia ②

～Involuntary euthanasia～
Involuntary euthanasia is done against someone's (patient's) will, so this is as good as murder.

～Non-voluntary euthanasia～
Non-voluntary euthanasia is done when the patient is unconscious or unable to make a decision.

～Voluntary euthanasia～
Voluntary euthanasia is euthanasia with the patient's direct consent.

・Voluntary passive euthanasia = death with dignity
・Non-voluntary aggressive euthanasia = mercy killing

[What is mercy killing??]
ex) There is an elderly couple. Unfortunately, that wife (or husband) had been suffering from an incurable diesease. One day, her husband (or his wife) couldn't bear to see her (his) painful face. So, he (or she) killed her (or him) for some ways.
In another case, the wife (or the husband) asked her husband (his wife) to kill her (or her).

Like this case often happens in Japan. Of course, this is equal to murder, but can we punish the criminal severely?
This problem is also difficult. From now on, I'm going to think about mercy killing, too.

References: Wikipedia,
http://www.sal.tohoku.ac.jp/~shimizu/euthanasia/

About Euthanasia ①

～Passive euthanasia～
Passive euthanasia is withholding general treatments such as antibiotics, drugs, and surgery, or giving a medication (like morphine) to relieve pain, knowing that it may also result in death. This type euthanasia is currently accepted. Actually, passive euthanasia is done by hospitals.

～Aggressive euthanasia～
Aggressive euthanasia is using substances which cause patients' death. In other words, patients are forsed to kill. Many people regard this means as aiding suicide.This type euthanasia is the most controversial means.
【countries which approve of aggressive euthanasia】
America (Oregon), Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland

References: Wikipedia

the reason why I chose this topic...

First of all, I'm going to tell you why I chose this topic.
When I had to write persuasive essay in IE Ⅲ writing class, I wanted to write about euthanasia. However, I couldn't make my position clear. That is to say, I couldn't declare whether I'm in favor of euthanasia, or not. So, it was absolutely impossible to persuade people because even my opinion toward euthanasia was vague.
In this time, I take a chance to think again about euthanasia. Therefore, I'm intend to think over this controversial issue.

Through a little investigation of euthanasia, I realize again that this controversial issue is really really difficult. I haven't decided my side yet especially for agressive euthanasia. I understand opinions of both sides.

I don't have negative image for passive euthanasia. However, if that patient is my significant other, I couldn't accept it even if that patient consents it.

I think the problem of euthanasia is related to not only the patient himself (or herself) but also his (or her) around people such as family and friends. The doctor is, too.

I'll keep investigating and thinking about euthanasia.

Hi everyone!!

Are you interested in this topic???