Legalization of Euthanasia

This has been a highly debated topic since it was created, and we have no idea when will it end. We had already heard all the points in all discussions. But in the end, no conclusion can be made. What I am interested in, why there are so many countries still refuse to legalize euthanasia?

Legalizing an act doesn’t mean encouraging it. That’s something everyone should keep in their mind. For instance smoking, it is not wrong to smoke but the government always told us smoking is bad for health. Besides, the government sets up lot of rules for the smokers to obey, for example declare non smoking area, children are not allowed to smoke, high tax rate for cigarette companies and etc. And this lead to my second point, an act can be legalized with limitation and regulations. If euthanasia could be legalized, the government can also introduce other rules that accompany it, like only certain eligible people can perform euthanasia, criteria to undergo euthanasia and etc. To further elaborate this point, take a look at legalization of prostitution. In Singapore, prostitution is legal a few years ago, if I am not mistaken. But Singapore still looks as ‘clean’ as it was, because there are many rules behind this legal act. For instance, prostitutes must be above 18 years old, condom must be used in the ‘business’, prostitutes must apply a license and report to health center regularly and etc. We know it’s wrong to have prostitution in the community, but considering other consequences, like increasing numbers of AIDS patients, the government needs to do something. At least legalizing it can protect both prostitutes and the civilian.

Why people need euthanasia? The reason is simple, they need it to save them from torment. That’s their life and they have the right to take control of it. We do know life is precious, but when terminal illnesses and excruciating pain are over patients’ fragile body, shouldn’t we give them the dignity and relieve them from torturous tragedy? Since we already accept animal euthanasia, why should we reject human euthanasia?

There is a very young girl in China, who has congenital disorders that makes her sit on a wheelchair for the rest of her life. She is unable to take care of herself, so she is totally rely on her poor parents to sustain her life. However she still has the ability to type in front of a computer. She has a blog. In her blog, she begs China government to legalize euthanasia because she wishes to die after her parents pass away. Because without her parents, she has no more reason to stay in this world and she doesn’t have the ability to be independent. From the voice of a young girl, is euthanasia her salvation?

If one of our closest, dying family member wishes to take up euthanasia, I know it would be terribly hard to agree with them. To respect their choice, or to show them our love by letting them being tortured, it’s all up to you.