Blog

Euthanasia: An Analysis of Utilitarian Approach

Euthanasia is one of the most contentious issues confronting humankind. It is considered to be an assisted form of suicide, where one person assists in ending the life of another person. In most cases, euthanasia occurs when an individual faces a debilitating illness that prevents him or her from leading a happy life. Euthanasia is applied in different forms, such as suffocation, a lethal injection, and removal of the means used to sustain life. Euthanasia can be active when an individual is allowed to perform the last act that causes death or passive when some basic needs, such as medication, water, food and other essential elements used to sustain life, are removed. Euthanasia proponents argue that this action aims to protect the quality of life and ensure that the family accepts the death of their family members, especially when the family is starved financially. Opponents of euthanasia argue that the right to life is inherent to all individuals and only God determines when a person should die. Numerous different philosophers have discussed this controversial ethical issue in the past. Some of the key philosophers include John Locke and Immanuel Kant. The two scholars opposed euthanasia and considered it a form of suicide regardless of the quality of life of an individual. Locke argued that the gift of life is an inalienable right that any other individual should not take. The utilitarian theory is an ethical approach that focuses on maximizing happiness for humanity and society. The whole practical argument is based on minimizing pain and increasing pleasure. Based on arguments of the utilitarian theory, euthanasia should only be allowed if it is requested voluntarily by an individual and is likely to reduce the individual’s pain and contribute to the happiness of the involved parties.

Case Example

Patient X has terminal colon cancer. The patient was diagnosed at a late stage. As a result, he was placed on a life support machine to manage the condition. The patient’s family members cannot continue raising the money for medications required to support his life since they have largely depended on donations from other people. However, they would do everything possible if there was any certainty that their family member would feel well for a specific time. There is no agreement between them. Thus, some family members prefer euthanasia, while others believe that patient X should die from a natural death. Patient X has not yet made the final decision.


Order Now

You are one step closer to getting a quality paper

Get 20% discount on your first order, enjoy regular coupons from Nursing Research Lab when you sign up with us

Start Now