Exploring Euthanasia: A Good Death Debate

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Euthanasia, derived from the Greeks words eu and thanatos, literally means a good death (Holt, 2008, pp. 257). The intention of euthanasia is to provide terminally ill patients with the option of dying a dignified death; this is not a curtsey provided by many terminal illnesses, which are often accompanied by debilitating pain which often leave patients unable to care for themselves or participate in their own lives. “Respecting a patient’s autonomy is an important concept in the euthanasia debate.” (Holt, 2008, pp.268) there are two types of euthanasia: passive and active. Passive euthanasia is defined as withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment (Collier & Haliburton, 2015, pp.320) and is currently legal in Canada. Active euthanasia entails a deliberate action to end the life of the patient, and can be voluntary, none voluntary, or involuntary. Currently in Canada all forms of voluntary active euthanasia are …show more content…

As individuals with have the freedom to make autonomous decisions regarding our lives, our health, and the quality of life our life. I will begin by defining the types of active euthanasia. Next I present the premises for my argument, followed by possible criticisms for each premise. Lastly, I will address a counterargument to my argument and offer a reply. The goal of this paper is to make a compelling argument based on the principle of autonomy as to why voluntary active euthanasia should be legalized in Canada. Voluntary active euthanasia is a deliberate action to end the life of the patient, at their own request, with full informed constant. (Collier & Haliburton, 2015, pp.321) None voluntary active euthanasia refers to a situation where the patient does not physical asked for death, but does make the request via an advanced directive or surrogate, usually a family member who was familiar with the patient’s wishes. (Collier & Haliburton, 2015,

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