Euthanasia-The Mercy Killing

The most precious possession in one's life is her own life. It is a true fact that everyone loves most his own life than any other possession. But when this valuable life becomes unbearable due to terminal suffering, few people muster the courage to put it to an end forever. Yes, this is how the concept of Euthanasia could help those pain stricken people. The word Euthanasia implies mercy killing or it can also be interpreted as assisted suicide. A person is being assisted to end his life to give him respite from his extreme physical pain and illness.

But this concept has not been accepted throughout the world. The practice of Euthanasia is illegal for human in United States. It is only performed there on persons who are on a death row for execution. A lethal injection is used to give them a quick and painless death. Killing is regarded as a sin as well as a sacrilege. It is also believed to be against the principle of humanity and medication. It came from Hyppocrates, the father of modern science, who said, 'I will give no deadly medicine to anyone if asked, nor suggest any such counsel'. Doctors are still bound by this law. The first oath taken by the doctors after they complete their medical degree is also the same. In the whole world only Netherlands and Belgium allow this practice. The topic of Euthanasia was brought to the forefront of public opinion with the trial of Doctor Jack Kevorkian in the late 1990s. He was sentenced to 10-25yrs in prison for the murder of Thomas Youk after giving him a lethal injection. Euthanasia, like abortion, is a heated topic. People have divided into two different sects. Different people hold different view about it. Various religion and church are of the view that we all God's child and our life is His greatest creation. So we have no right to destroy it. On the other hand, the proponents of Euthanasia are of an altogether different view. They think the state and the church have no rights to impinge upon one's wish to sever all ties with this world.