Gay-Williams Arguments Against Euthanasia

Gay-Williams does not believe that euthanasia can ever be in a patient’s self-interests. In some of his augments such as a misdiagnosis or in experimental procedure he believes there is always the chance of recovers at any point. He points out that death is final and there is no way to come back. He also points out in the argument of taking our life at any time that this just provides an easy way out and that recovery is certainly possible with feeling down or depressed. I do agree with his position with this topic. I do think often times people will look for the easy way out, and do not consider the consequences of their actions they choose to make. Euthanasia is both hard on the patient themselves, but one also has to think about their

families and how it effects them as well. Patients may also not understand there is always a chance of getting better, and that they take away that possibility by choosing euthanasia. Considering these points, it is hard to say self-interest is a valid reason. Gay-Williams sees euthanasia as a slippery slope. What he means by this is first there is a patient, and they see themselves as never getting any better and they are allowed to choose euthanasia as a way of ending their life. Then he may have other people do it for him because he cannot do so, and the judgment of other people is the factor in deciding if euthanasia is being performed. The physician or other medical professional may feel like they are inclined to make this decision for the patient. Gay-Williams explains that it is this little point that turns what is originally voluntary euthanasia to involuntary euthanasia. He believes eventually this would give society the power in deciding to euthanize all those people they may see as too sick to be in society. I think he starts with a persuasive argument, but I think he takes it to the extreme. I do not think something little like this would make society believe that they have this power to decide who lives and who dies. I think he is missing some pieces to his argument. I think he just jumps right to the worst conclusion without considering any alternatives. Overall, I do not think the slippery argument is very persuasive.