Euthanasia: Beneficial or Harmful

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Lastly the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops presents that euthanasia eliminates any respect for human rights. “…there is a more profound reason why the campaign for assisted suicide is a threat, not an aid, to authentic human freedom” (The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). Following this proposition, the article references the government and how each human being has the right to life. In the United States Declaration of Independence, life is named before liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Meaning that the most

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essential human right is life. Euthanasia, in the eyes of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is seen to be devaluing life. Reason being, the choice of taking one’s life is taking away their fundamental right to life. The article reflects the Christian view, that God is the loving creator of life and by ending one’s life is taking away our God-given human dignity. With all said, if life is a basic human right shouldn’t an individual be able to choose their own path and how they want live it? John Shelby, a retired Episcopal bishop argues that medical advances necessitate a change in Christian views of death and dying. “The choice of death with dignity, whether by my own hand or with the assistance of my physician, is moral and a godlier choice than passively enduring a life pointlessly devoid of hope or meaning” (Shelby). Death is not escapable; there is a responsibility in humans to the embrace the destiny of one’s self. Death has been viewed as an enemy, but rather death should be accepted that is it something good and a natural part of life. With euthanasia there is a whole new level of decision making. Provides someone with the conscious choice to escape from the unbearable suffering and join the after life in which God has planned for them.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops argues that euthanasia takes away the freedom or self-determination of ones right to life. Not only the right to life but that assisted suicide goes against Christian values by disrespecting the creator of life. With these thoughts the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages an individual who is in extreme pain to continue and live with the pain until they die naturally. The corrupt idea that someone should stick with the pain until they die, is cruel because there is an alternative. The alternative being one can decide to end the suffering and die in peace with dignity. Euthanasia provides a way out for someone who cannot stand to live another day with unbearable conditions. Even with

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medical advancements today terminal illness is still a factor. Therefore, euthanasia should be an option for those in need of relief.

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Works Cited

Cramer, Mars. "Euthanasia Respects Individual Autonomy and Requires Deliberation."

Euthanasia (2015). Gale. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

Shelby, John. "Christianity Should Condone Voluntary Euthanasia." Euthanasia (2006). Gale.

Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

The United States States Conference of Catholic Bishops "Euthanasia Devalues Human Life and

Limits Individual Freedom." Euthanasia (2015). Gale. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

Williams, Mary E. "Euthanasia Should Be Allowed for Emotional Suffering." Euthanasia

(2015). Gale. Web. 10 Dec. 2015