599
edits
Changes
I tried to fix the definition
{{Orthodoxize}}{{cleanup|Needs a thorough revision, including opening definition}}'''Euthanasia''' refers to the act of intentionally ending the life of one who is when those suffering from a terminal disease who suffer from painful diseases has expressed the wish to kill themselves, perhaps with the assistance of a doctorbe assisted to die in order to avoid what is seen to be as unecessary and unbearable suffering. The term literally means "good death" (εὖ + Θάνατος). Thus it It is sometimes called ''assisted suicide'' or, very often in recent times, it has been (euphemistically) called "dying with dignity."Likewise when a doctor removes treatment, for the purpose of death this too falls under the definition of euthanasia.
==The issue== For the medical community, this issue brings up complicated tough ethical problems. For example, does an individual Does a person have the right to choose death as an option? Euthanasia also raises the question idea of whether or not a doctor should participate in such a practice. These are very difficult issues to face, but ones that must be confronted when dealing with euthanasia.
A person must first realize that euthanasia is a subject that is not easily defined. The origin of the word "euthanasia" comes derives from two ancient Greek terms meaning "good death." The following shows us the that there are three ways in categories to which euthanasia can be performed: #By an affirmative act designed to bring about death, such as the injection of air into a person’s veins; #By refusing to commence or continue further medical treatment required to maintain life; #By refusing to commence or continue further "heroic" or "extraordinary" measures, such as the use of a heart-lung machine following a massive stroke. The first two instances are commonly referred to as ''euthanasia by action'' and ''euthanasia by omission''. Euthanasia is not a black-and-white issue, and the ethical concerns are even more complicated. As euthanasia has become more prevalent, the medical community has had to adjust its understandingclassified.
The Orthodox Church understands life as a gift from God and that this gift must be valued.
Euthanasia is wrong from the Orthodox Christian ethical perspective. According to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, life must be preserved because it is something that has been given by God. Similarly, human life should be always treated with respect for humanity was made in the image and likeness of God. These are ideas that are often forgotten as people wish to remove their suffering in the most extreme manner. There are many reasons to which traditional Christianity teaches opposition to euthanasia. Euthanasia is act of killing because it seeks to end life. "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood be shed for God made man in his image." ([[Genesis]] 9:6). This means that life is good and that we should not try to end it from due to any amount of pain.
From the position of those who favor euthanasia the practice is understood as a means of removing pain. If pain and suffering are understood as being bad then euthanasia must be good. "Pain, suffering, and evil in general, thus all reveal a certain lack of being, a certain negativity which threatens man's being-in-the-world. It forces man to consider himself, to reflect on his mode of being in this world and to contemplate the sorrow of his contingency." {{citation}} To use the modern terminology, this is referring to quality of life. Supporters of euthanasia feel that if their quality of life is infringed upon they have the right to end their life and to die as they choose.
The advances in medical technology also play plays an interesting part in the drama of euthanasia. The greater that the modern advances are becoming the greater opportunity there is to prolong life. "Not long ago, when the point of death was reached, there was usually nothing that could be done about it. Now, due to the marvels of medicine, all kinds of things can help keep people 'alive' long after what used to be the final crisis. For example there is a cardiac 'pacemaker' a machine that can restart a heart that a stopped beating." {{citation}} This brings the issue to the forefront of whether or not it is right to prolong a life simply by medical advancements. The opposition that is put forth to this argument is as follows; should not we allow a person to die when it is their time and not to prolong their life extensively? Subsequently, is a physician murdering in the strictest sense if he was to withhold the treatment? "The religious person's concern that ending one's life is playing God may seem to be predicated on the indefensible assumption that respecting the natural ordering of events is respecting the divine ordering of events. According to this view, letting nature have its way is interpreted as letting God have his way." This is rather difficult as one can see. From the definition of the church’s teaching it is murder. The doctor had a method of treatment available and did not administer it instead allows the patient to die. Life is extremely important and we must exhaust every possible alternative in order to prolong an individual's life.
The opposition that is put forth to this argument is as follows; should not we allow a person to die when it is their time and not to prolong their life extensively? Subsequently, is a physician murdering in the strictest sense if he was to withhold the treatment? "The religious person's concern that ending one's life is playing God may seem to be predicated on the indefensible assumption that respecting the natural ordering of events is respecting the divine ordering of events. According to this view, letting nature have its way is interpreted as letting God have his way."{{citation}} This is rather difficult as one can see. From the definition of the church's teaching it is murder. The doctor had a method of treatment available and did not administer it instead allows the patient to die. Life is extremely important and we must exhaust every possible alternative in order to prolong an individual's life. The issue of euthanasia in recent years has seen intense legal debates as well. In 1994 , the state of Oregon passed a law making euthanasia legal. According to this law if an individual has been diagnosed with a terminal condition, they have the option to request a prescription of a lethal injection. The doctor is legally freed from any liability. In October of 2005 , the law went before the U.S. Supreme Courtdue to intense opposition. However, on [[January 17]], 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the decision from in favor of the state of Oregon in a 6-to-3 vote. Legalizing euthanasia is something that presents people with a new era in the medical world. Besides Oregon, euthanasia is legal as a practice to be performed in Holland and Belgium.
==Living wills==
Part of the legal ramifications include having a living will. A living will is a contract made while a person is still living. It is a document that verifies the intentions of the person in the event of debilitating injury or illness. It is usually accompanied by a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a contract in which someone is selected to make life and death decisions should the person be unable to. More often people delegate the responsibility to a family member.
==Examples in the media==
In 2005, the case of Terri Schiavo made headlines. This was the case of a woman who suffered brain damage and was since 1990 was in a lifeless state. Her husband had been petitioning courts to allow him to remove her feeding tube. Finally, in March of 2005, the court sided in his favor, she died shortly after.
There is also the infamous , Dr. Jack Kevorkian who has assisted many patients diein their death. Kevorkian has, in an eight-year period of time, helped over 100 one hundred people to dieby administering different procedures. Very often the person was connected up to a machine that had canister of carbon monoxide. Kevorkian also is known to have injected lethal drugs as well. Both of these particular cases, Terri Schiavo and Dr. Kevorkian, had highly controversial subjects. The case of Terri Schiavo forced to people to consider the rights of the patient, while Dr. Kevorkian made many examine whether or not a physician has the right to aid in a person's death.
==Conclusion==Regardless of legal ruling on this issue there will be not significant change from a religious perspective. Christian people, in particular Eastern Orthodox Christians , firmly support the maintaining of human life. Perhaps , if there were was a formal statement from the federal government on euthanasia it would motivate the church authority to take a formal position.
[[Category:Bioethics]]
[[Category:Ethics]]