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???