Euthanasia morally wrong

Though debates about euthanasia have kept the controversial subject in the public's mind for centuries, no modern society has legalized the so-called right to die. No matter what proponents of euthanasia say, I believe it is morally wrong to prematurely end a human life or to let one die through inaction.

Euthanasia takes two forms: active and passive. Active euthanasia is to put someone to death purposefully and painlessly. Passive euthanasia is to not interfere with the process of dying.

Active euthanasia is action with the intention of causing a death. Here, active euthanasia sounds like murder. Maybe that is why active euthanasia is illegal in the United States.

But while active euthanasia is abhorrent, passive euthanasia is ethically questionable. Today, patients are permitted to choose passive euthanasia, which means to make the free and informed choice of refusing life support.

The argumentation over the ethical viability of active euthanasia is likely to remain intense because of disagreement from religious groups and many members of the medical profession.

Euthanasia has been accepted both legally and morally in differing forms in many societies of the past. Voluntary euthanasia for the elderly was an approved custom in several ancient societies.

But, in all major religions, particularly Islam, Christianity and Judaism, euthanasia is strictly forbidden. These religions believe human life is sacred and only God can create and end the lives of people.

These religions have also, rightfully, limited the use of euthanasia over the past 2,000 years.

Western religions are very rigid about the sacredness of human life. They have no tolerance when it comes to killing others or committing suicide, even if someone is suffering or going to die in two weeks. The rules are very clear. Most of the people who are against euthanasia support their stance with religion.

Religion is not the only reason why I think euthanasia should be forbidden. Modern technological advances, such as respirators and artificial kidney machines, have made it possible to ease suffering and prolong life. Also, the success rate in transplanting human organs is increasing rapidly.

Also, there is always the possibility that an experimental procedure or a previously untried technique will rescue patients from the grip of death. People should at least keep this option open. Euthanasia closes it off.

Furthermore, there is always the chance of a miracle for every sufferer. It has happened before where, for no apparent reason, a patient simply recovered when those around him, including his physicians, expected him or her to die.

Finally, knowing that patients can take their lives at any time might well incline them to give up too easily. The will to live is strong in all of humankind, but pain and suffering and a feeling of hopeless can weaken it. If during these bad times people allow themselves to be put to death, they never give themselves the opportunity to weigh out all the options.

Euthanasia will always be a heated topic. As long as religions exist and technology keeps advancing, active euthanasia will likely not be legalized in any country anytime soon. But, passive euthanasia is becoming more accepted in many societies.

Still, euthanasia violates the nature and dignity of human beings. Euthanasia is a wrongful death. It is not just dying: It is killing.

Yelda Tezel is a public relations major at Cal State Long Beach.

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