Critically discuss the ethical arguments for and against the Essay

Critically discuss the ethical arguments for and against the legalisation of euthanasia - Essay Example Genetic views strongly believe that life starts at fertilization stage whereas embryological views argue that life begins at the point of gestation (Gilbert, 2011; Blazer & Zimmer, 2005, pp. 1 – 20). As compared to genetic and embryological views, some people argue that life begins at birth (ibid). Regardless of how life starts, health care professionals are trained to conserve human lives by alleviating their suffering whenever they are terminally ill. As much as possible, medical care professionals should prolong the lives of the patients unless there is an advance order stating that the patient instructed a â€Å"do not resuscitate† (DNR) decision together with the patient’s signature (Salmasy, Sood, & Ury, 2008). Death is the end part of the life cycle which nobody can avoid. Aside from a combination of pain, depression, and psychological disturbances, the fact that the economic cost of medical intervention for terminally ill patients is very expensive for mo st people with average income increases the number of cases wherein a terminally ill patient would seek for medical assistance to end their lives at the soonest possible time. Euthanasia is all about â€Å"intentional killing of a dependent human being, by act or omission, for the patient’s alleged legal benefits† (Ciabal, 2003, p. 129). ... euthanasia is considered as â€Å"good death† since this option allows a terminally ill patient to live the last few minutes of their lives more comfortable (ibid). Focusing on ethical cases whereby terminally ill patients are seeking for euthanasia, this report will discuss whether or not a terminally ill patient has the right to refuse medical treatment. In reference to the sanctity of life and quality of life perspective, this report will discuss why life should be prioritized more than death. As part of going through the main discussion, whether or not the patients have the right to request for an ineffective medical treatment will be answered together with the clinicians’ obligations to meet the patients’ request. After discussing the significance of advance directives in terminating the lives of terminally ill patients, some barriers that could prevent the patients from writing an advance directive will be identified and tackled in details. The Right of a T erminally Ill Patient to Refuse Medical Treatment Under the informed consent guidelines, the doctors and nurses should properly inform the patients about the main purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of each prescribed drug and other medical care intervention such as the use of life-sustaining treatment like tube feeding devices, mechanical breathing ventilation and dialysis machines, and/or diagnosing devices like x-ray and CT scan (Kaufmann & Ruhli, 2010; Ganzini et al., 2003). On top of this, each medical care professional is also required to respect and observe the patient’s autonomy by allowing them to make their personal decision when it comes to selecting the care and medical treatment they prefer (Walker, 2009; Stirrat & Gill, 2005). Given that each patient has the right to accept or not to