LeveragedBuyout
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Gentlemen, this is not a black-and-white decision, and it should not be treated with such capriciousness.
I cannot speak for the religious aspect, but there are very good policy reasons why euthanasia is illegal and should remain illegal. If it is made legal, then the question of free will arises. Was this truly the patient's decision? Did the physicians ("your quality of life will never be good, better to end it now") or family ("the medical bills are driving us to bankruptcy!") pressure the patient into making that decision? Will insurance companies structure their policies in such a way as to encourage suicide to minimize costs?
On the other hand, if euthanasia is illegal, then the red lines are clear for everyone, and only the most motivated will take their own lives. When euthanasia is illegal, there are no grey areas.
It is for that reason that only those countries that have lost their ethical core have legalized euthanasia, because they do not care to agonize over these quaint subtleties. It's a cost-effective policy, to be sure, but devoid of ethical nuance.
I cannot speak for the religious aspect, but there are very good policy reasons why euthanasia is illegal and should remain illegal. If it is made legal, then the question of free will arises. Was this truly the patient's decision? Did the physicians ("your quality of life will never be good, better to end it now") or family ("the medical bills are driving us to bankruptcy!") pressure the patient into making that decision? Will insurance companies structure their policies in such a way as to encourage suicide to minimize costs?
On the other hand, if euthanasia is illegal, then the red lines are clear for everyone, and only the most motivated will take their own lives. When euthanasia is illegal, there are no grey areas.
It is for that reason that only those countries that have lost their ethical core have legalized euthanasia, because they do not care to agonize over these quaint subtleties. It's a cost-effective policy, to be sure, but devoid of ethical nuance.