The Euthanasia Debate | Registered Nurse

Euthanasia can be translated to mean “good death.” The phrase is used in reference to the practice of ending a person’s life to alleviate suffering, offering relief to the person who is suffering from debilitating or painful diseases. In many cases, euthanasia is accomplished by simply removing life support machines, and allowing a patient’s body to give out on its own. Despite the intent behind euthanasia, in most courts, the act is considered to be legal homicide even when a patient requests. It’s illegal because it requires someone to act to end another person’s life. The concept of a “mercy killing” does not exist within the law which is why the subject is so hotly debated. Many believe that people should be able to choose to end their own lives and believe that doctors who wish to help should be able to assist them so they can do it painlessly. Others believe that not only is assisting someone wrong, but ending one’s own life is a sin as well, so the debate still rages.

Data and FAQs

Statistic Links: Offers euthanasia statistics from multiple countries.
Books and Videos: A list of links to books and data that discuss euthanasia.
International Task Force FAQs: FAQs from a task force set up to keep track of euthanasia related information.
Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQs) on Euthanasia: An easy-to-use guide for euthanasia information.
History and Facts: Discusses how the euthanasia movement gained momentum and how people use it today.

Assisted Suicide Laws

Information on the Law about Euthanasia: Chart that lays out specifics of euthanasia laws in all 50 states.
State Laws on Assisted Suicide: Another site with a listing of each state’s laws relating to euthanasia.
Legal Status of Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia in the United States: A document that lists both current and past laws relating to euthanasia.
Euthanasia and the law: An essay that discusses the relation between the law and euthanasia.
Death With Dignity Act: Details the Death with Dignity Act in Oregon, which makes it legal for people to choose to end their own lives if they are suffering.

World Euthanasia

Laws Around the World: Lists euthanasia laws of other countries outside the United States.
WMA Resolution on Euthanasia: An article that outlines the World Medical Association’s stance on euthanasia.
Euthanasia in the UK: Discusses about euthanasia in the UK.
Netherlands: Statistics about euthanasia cases in the Netherlands.
Australia: A look at the laws governing euthanasia in Australia.

Debates

Religious Concerns: Outlines the religious reasons to object euthanasia.
Opposing Euthanasia Points: Lists some points in the debate against euthanasia.
Non-Religious Arguments against ‘Voluntary Euthanasia’: Presents some arguments against euthanasia.
Euthanasia Con: Detailed article that lists the cons of euthanasia in humans.
Key Points: Outlines the biggest talking points against euthanasia.
Pro Arguments: Brief page on pro euthanasia arguments.
Pro Euthanasia Arguments: An article that touches on a few pro euthanasia arguments including how it can help the mentally ill.
Arguments for Legalizing It: Relates the most common reasons people support euthanasia.
Active and Passive Arguments: Discusses different arguments of euthanasia.
Bioethics Arguments: Outlines the arguments used by those familiar with bioethics.

Medical Aspects

Medical Aspects: Discusses the medical aspects of euthanasia itself.
Types and Methods: An overview of the different types and methods of euthanasia used today.
Methods: An article that describes how some doctors perform euthanasia.
Medscape Article: Medical article that touches deeply on certain aspects of euthanasia.
Guidelines: Outlines the medical guidelines doctors use.

In the Spotlight

Tony Bland: Focuses on the case of a British man who was euthanized in 1993.
Sue Rodriguez: Case of a woman who was suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Karen Ann Quinlan: Case of a woman who went into a coma, and alive for 30 years, against her family’s wishes.
Dr. Kevorkian: Detailed website about the case brought against Dr. Kevorkian, an avid supporter of euthanasia.
Terri Schiavo: Case story of Terri Shiavo, the case that truly pushed euthanasia into the spotlight.

Living Wills

What is a Living Will?: Article that discusses a living will.
Living Wills for Medical Decisions: Shows the importance of a living will in light of the specified medical decisions.
Decision Making and Living Wills: Provides advice on how to draw up the perfect living will for your circumstances.
Resources: A lot of information about drawing your own living will.
Example: Online example of a typical living will.