Lucius Vorenus

Medical Ethics and Jurisprudence

Reaction Paper On Euthanasia

Present medical practice has proven to detect diseases during the very early phase. However, it has also proved that it can help extend the life of an individual. Technology has never been cheap and if an individual and his family have abundant funds, life is extended. Quality of life of the patient and the caregivers or family is very important and should be observed. Extended life of a patient may not improve the quality of life of the patient himself; however, it may impair the quality of life of his family. Patients family may have decreased quality of life because of financial burden and caregiver fatigue or they may have improved quality of the life because relationships are strengthened and restored to act as one family to solve a problem. However, not all families become more functional amidst a family problem. Euthanasia has never been openly practised in human beings in this country even amidst very hard times in the life of the patients family. I am saying that it is not openly practised because we do not have a law about it and it is not an option in this Christian country. Euthanasia is killing and it is against what we believe as Christians and against what the Bible teaches. I respect life and I respect our God who gave us life and I give the decision to Him to decide when He is going to take it. I advocate good quality of life; however, I also respect the familys decision on the life of their loved one. As a doctor later, I will just guide my patient and his family about the patients condition and prognosis for healing and improvement based on present technology and know-how. I advocate allowing natural death to occur. Whatever should be done will depend upon the patients condition and what the patient wants and how far the patients family beliefs will allow. All we would know is how far technology and know-how will be able to prolong life. We will never know Gods plan, we can only ask for His favour and miracles which I believe still happen.