There are a number of moral issues to be considered when debating any forms of euthanasia and assisted suicide:
- Sanctity of Life: Life is inherently valuable and sacred, regardless of its quality or the suffering involved. Intentionally ending a human life violates this intrinsic value.
- Risk of Abuse: Legalizing euthanasia can lead to misuse or coercion. Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, disabled, or those with severe illnesses, may feel pressured to choose euthanasia due to societal or family burdens, financial concerns, or a fear of being a burden.
- Slippery Slope: Allowing euthanasia in limited cases can easily lead to broader and less ethical applications over time. Once society accepts euthanasia for terminally ill patients, it may extend to those with non-terminal conditions, mental health issues, or even non-voluntary euthanasia.
- Undermining palliative care: Euthanasia can reduce focus on improving end-of-life care. Instead of investing in advancements in palliative care, society may see euthanasia as a simpler and more cost-effective solution, depriving patients of compassionate alternatives to manage pain and suffering.
- Basic moral and ethical principles: Killing, even if consensual, conflicts with our basic moral codes. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant argue that taking life, even to alleviate suffering, undermines the moral fabric of society. It could erode respect for human dignity and the prohibition against intentional killing.
- Potential for Error: Decisions about life and death are complex and prone to mistakes. Diagnoses and prognoses can be wrong, leading individuals to choose euthanasia prematurely. Additionally, psychological conditions like depression can impair judgment, making consent questionable.
- Value of Suffering: Suffering can have (even great) meaning or purpose. Some philosophical or religious views hold that enduring suffering can foster personal growth, spiritual development, or deepen relationships with others, making it an essential part of the human experience.
In the end, the case is clear: We must never give up on anybody but go to defend the dignity of every human life.