Allow euthanasia
Published: 10 Aug. 2007, 22:55
People are talking about euthanasia again, due to the incident in which a father pulled the plug on his brain-dead son, killing him.
The man was booked on a charge of murder.
Simply put, it is time for the government to allow euthanasia, instead of meaninglessly extending lives with the help of artificial respirators and other equipment.
Of course, human life is more important than anything, but it is also important for a person to be able to die with dignity.
Both sides, people in favor and against euthanasia, agree that life is august. Their claims are based on the same fundamental idea. Allowing a person to die naturally may be better to protect the dignity of that person than just extending their life without any meaning.
Added to the mental, physical and economic agony, a family’s needs also must be considered. Some patients ask for euthanasia after seeing their own family members go through pain and difficulty.
The global trend is to allow euthanasia. France, Hong Kong and Taiwan all let a patient die legally, according to their will.
The United Kingdom and the Netherlands allow drugs to be used during the course of euthanasia so the patient can die in pleasure.
The United States does not allow euthanasia, but a recent court ruling said it is wrong to penalize doctors who help patients die, which indirectly permits euthanasia.
In June, a Korean court found a doctor not guilty for removing an artificial respirator at the request of the patient’s children.
However, in another case in 2004, a doctor who let a patient return home at the guardian’s request was found guilty for aiding and abetting murder.
That court ruling made doctors take a passive approach toward euthanasia. It is high time that our society reaches a mutual consent on allowing death with dignity.
It may be difficult to follow the Dutch way and allow drugs, but at least those who have practically no hope should be given the chance to peacefully end their life.
With machines in the intensive care unit, it may be arduous to do so.
Penalizing doctors who terminate extensions of treatment is not the answer. With strict criteria on the qualifications and the process, and with close consultation with the family, allowing euthanasia should be considered more seriously.
The man was booked on a charge of murder.
Simply put, it is time for the government to allow euthanasia, instead of meaninglessly extending lives with the help of artificial respirators and other equipment.
Of course, human life is more important than anything, but it is also important for a person to be able to die with dignity.
Both sides, people in favor and against euthanasia, agree that life is august. Their claims are based on the same fundamental idea. Allowing a person to die naturally may be better to protect the dignity of that person than just extending their life without any meaning.
Added to the mental, physical and economic agony, a family’s needs also must be considered. Some patients ask for euthanasia after seeing their own family members go through pain and difficulty.
The global trend is to allow euthanasia. France, Hong Kong and Taiwan all let a patient die legally, according to their will.
The United Kingdom and the Netherlands allow drugs to be used during the course of euthanasia so the patient can die in pleasure.
The United States does not allow euthanasia, but a recent court ruling said it is wrong to penalize doctors who help patients die, which indirectly permits euthanasia.
In June, a Korean court found a doctor not guilty for removing an artificial respirator at the request of the patient’s children.
However, in another case in 2004, a doctor who let a patient return home at the guardian’s request was found guilty for aiding and abetting murder.
That court ruling made doctors take a passive approach toward euthanasia. It is high time that our society reaches a mutual consent on allowing death with dignity.
It may be difficult to follow the Dutch way and allow drugs, but at least those who have practically no hope should be given the chance to peacefully end their life.
With machines in the intensive care unit, it may be arduous to do so.
Penalizing doctors who terminate extensions of treatment is not the answer. With strict criteria on the qualifications and the process, and with close consultation with the family, allowing euthanasia should be considered more seriously.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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