opinion of the author....
The key here is to understand the definition of euthenasia. Assisted suicide, mercy killing, is often the only option to a life of pain for the terminally ill. It isn't intended to mean helping a severly depressed or otherwise mentally ill individual end their life but rather helping someone of sound mind suffering from a terminal and painfull condition end their suffering. The legality of living wills and advance directives has made euthenasia a very real option to extended but natural death. We allow a person to prepare a legal document directing their health care, including euthenasia, after they are no longer able to make those decisions and yet we will not allow them to make those same decisions while still conscious and lucid. That makes absolutely no sense to me. |
