Throughout medical history, the topic of euthanasia has been widely debated all over the world. People are supportive of or against the idea of euthanasia for various reasons. Every individual has their own take on whether euthanasia should be legalized or not, as difference in beliefs plays a huge role in deciding whether euthanasia is a form of assisted suicide, or a form of relief for a person too much in pain.
A person’s beliefs mostly derive from their religion beliefs, as most religion teaches about life and death. Being a Taoist myself, my religions’ teachings are that Taoism does not condone euthanasia, as we believe death should be accepted as naturally as life (The Reform Taoism Congregation (TRTC), N.D.). Any form of suicide is considered as a sin as it causes imbalance and disruption to the Circle of life. However if a person is kept alive through chemical and unnatural means, an imbalanced has already been created and therefore, to euthanize or not is no longer a question (TRTC., N.D.). It is definitely a sin to take away someone’s life, yet it is not entirely right to keep someone alive unnaturally. This is also similar to the teaching of Buddha as in Buddhism, the action of taking away a person’s life is consider murder, therefore a sin be it whatever reason behind it. When a person opts for euthanasia, it is deem as an error of judgment (BBC., 2009)
Having worked in the National Cancer Institute of Singapore in National University Hospital myself, I observed that while patients are aware of the option of turning off the plug, many patients tend to ask if the option to avoid all pain (immediate death) is available. As Singapore’s health and medical treatments are very expensive, the local term ‘Cheaper to die than to be sick’ might cause people to abuse the idea of euthanasia. Should Singapore legalize euthanasia, chances are many patients would give up treatment altogether and opt for assisted suicide. Not only it would be an easy way out and people viewing the value of life lighter than ever, but also a rise of unnecessary rate of unaccountable death.
Years ago, a patient who was in the last stage of cancer once told me that euthanasia is almost like an abortion that is years too late. He was a Christian and felt that although he feels that doctors should try to lessen the pain of a patient as much as possible, but humans in general are in no position to decide who to live or die, except God. He appreciated the idea of assisted suicide, knowing that it would lessen his pain so much more. However due to his religious beliefs, these pains and difficulties are created to let him appreciate life more and therefore feeling more willing to face his pain than to take the ‘easy way out’.
In general, I personally do not condone the idea of euthanasia, despite knowing the advantage it might have for patients who are in long term pain. I strongly believe that everyone should have the spirit to fight for their chance to live and fight against their sickness and pain, just as they would fight for life for a premature baby.
References:
Reform Taoist Congregation (N.D.), Our Beliefs - Euthanasia. Reform Taoist Congregation Homepage. Retrieved on 2011, September 5th from http://www.reformtaoism.org/beliefs_a-l.php
BBC (2009, November 23rd) Buddhism, euthanasia and suicide. BBC Homepage. Retrieved on 2011, September 6th from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/euthanasiasuicide.shtml#blq-nav
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