For many years society has realized that there comes a time in all life when it seems as though death is knocking at a locked back door; unable to get in for the moment, but inevitably a guest, none the less.
We have taken it upon ourselves to invite the use of euthanasia into our lives by "putting down" our beloved pets when life becomes too difficult and age takes them over, and we do the same for farm animals who have injuries serious enough that they cannot be fixed... and yet, when a human being comes to the point when their quality of life will never return, we will not allow euthanasia. It makes very little sense to me that we will give this kind of relief to our pets and not to the people that we love.
Euthanasia is currently "unethical". I believe for the most part for two reasons, because no one wants to take the responsibility to make the decision and because our hospitals and drug companies are just making too much money to allow all of these sick people to be put out of their misery. Yes, it's sad to think of, but if you do a little research on the amount of money that one "bedridden" person in the final stages of cancer generates for drug companies and for hospitals/hospice care, you will see that I am not wrong.
People are supposed to be the most precious commodities in the world, we are supposed to be the most advanced of creatures, and yet there are animal species out there who will actually "kill" members of their herds when it becomes obvious that they can no longer go on. People with terminal illnesses, people who are in a state like "Terry Schiavo", people who feel as though they are in too much constant pain to go on with life should have the right to be put out of their misery. If they can make the decision on their own, it should be completely up to them, if they are unable to make such a decision because of health issues, it should be the right of who ever retains their power of attorney.
Of course, I can see the problem with people using euthanasia for purposes that are unethical, but I believe that if it is reserved for those terminally ill people who actually want relief, there is no reason why euthanasia shouldn't be an option There will be those who argue that others will take it upon themselves to put people out of their misery too soon for selfish purposes, I propose that if all medical evidence (backed up by at least two different and separate expert opinions) points to the fact that a person will in no way have a meaningful recovery or a quality of life that is above standard, the choice for Euthanasia should be present.
The advances in our medical technology are truly great, and our society is one that has made the business of keeping someone alive very lucrative and very important. Still, let us not be a society where people are forced to live artificially when it is obvious to all around them that they will never be the person they once where; let us be a society where the choice of death is looked upon with respect, and those who have chosen it are given the care and the help that they require.
