Abstract

Death could be perceived as a moral good if a patient does not have to spend the little time they have left suffering. Euthanasia is an important issue because it is in regards to human life. More specifically, it entails the ethically difficult question of whether or not an individual should continue to live with their condition. Before euthanasia was introduced, the belief of the role of the physician was to heal the ill, rather than seek harm. However, with the presence of modern medicine, society’s opinion towards euthanasia has shown the increase of support for this dilemma. The meaning of healing has evolved over time because of political, economic, social, religious and emotional perspectives (Doyal, 2001). While ethical issues arise from assisted suicide, the process is for the patient’s individual right. The purpose of the legalization of euthanasia is to end the suffering of a terminally ill patient.