The Controversies around Euthanasia and Physician-assisted suicide (PAS)

I started questioning my feelings on euthanasia after watching people close to me suffer for years before finally passing away. Knowing that God is in control does not make it easier to stand helpless, watching the agony on their faces and their deteriorating bodies; and what it does to their families. I sometimes wonder why this prolonged suffering is necessary, what is the purpose and what must we gain from it?

This is a short explanation for those who are not familiar with these terminologies. Euthanasia: (active) another person (doctor) taking the life with the consent of a terminally ill patient, (passive) patient refusing treatment to end life. Physician-assisted suicide, when you help to end a life by giving the patient information on how to do it, prescribing or giving medication to them to commit the dead.

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Legalising this controversial issue has been a huge topic of debate and polling on social platforms all over the world. Some countries legalized Euthanasia but under strict supervision with a set of circumstances that needs to be present. Euthanasia is legal in only three countries, whereas assisted suicide is legal in four countries and in seven states of America.

Some argue that when death is inevitable, a patient should have the right to end the pain and suffering, with their dignity still intact, when and how they choose. They point out that there is no difference between a terminally ill patient, and one on life-support with no hope, death is imminent for both. Yet, ending life support is allowed but not Euthanasia, right to refuse treatment is granted but not the right to control timing and manner of death.

It is a fact though, that Euthanasia violates religious and medical ethics. Most religions, backed by passages of scriptures in the Bible, oppose assisted dying as it is morally wrong and a denial of Gods will. It is feared that Euthanasia will give doctors too much power to kill, fraud and abuse will take place, and will change public conscience.

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When I watched the movie "Me Before You", I felt myself at a loss with split emotions due to William choosing Euthanasia over life and love. It was difficult for me to imagine what Will's life must have been like, experiencing the deterioration of his body, struggling to breathe at times, feeling trapped by his disability and being a burden on others. Yet, the romantic and religious side of me won as I felt that his decision was wrong because he still had lots to live for.

I believe, even though this suffering does not make sense, it is only God that can decide when our lives here on earth needs to end. I know this is easier said than done, but those who are terminally ill need to keep the faith that there is a purpose for everything and that it might be important for them to experience that final growth.

For further reading:

https://www.thenation.com/article/euthanasia-pro-and-con/
https://euthanasia.procon.org/

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