Mercy in the Context of Euthanasia Essay Example
Mercy in the Context of Euthanasia Essay Example

Mercy in the Context of Euthanasia Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (412 words)
  • Published: April 20, 2022
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Euthanasia and assisted suicide are both actions taken with the intention of bringing about death for merciful reasons. While euthanasia involves causing death directly, assisted suicide entails providing the means or guidance for a person to end their own life. Peggy advocates for assisted suicide, drawing upon concepts such as euthanasia, suffering, suicide, and a dignified death. Her perspective challenges conventional beliefs and prompts a reevaluation of ethical decision-making concerning the termination of life.

In this text, the author explores the concepts of mercy and autonomy as they pertain to a patient's desire for death in order to alleviate their pain. The author argues that patients should be given the freedom to reflect on their own circumstances and determine how they wish to live their lives. However, these ideas regarding suffering, euthanasia, and suicide were previously examined from

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an academic perspective but took on a more overpowering significance when the author's husband became ill. Consequently, the author's optimistic beliefs were overshadowed by the harsh reality of the situation.

Discovering the raw, muddled, and messy thoughts associated with ending existence, Peggy finds herself faced with a dilemma regarding euthanasia due to her husband's paralysis. Despite this challenge, her husband's condition has given her newfound options and compassion that drive her to advocate for ballot initiatives. It is no longer solely about terminally ill individuals or even just her own spouse; she contemplates why she should have the privilege of staying beside him as the ventilator is turned off if he desires death.

Although she previously supported a patient's autonomy in choosing their own death, she cannot help her husband with his wish for euthanasia. Observing his illness has change

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her outlook and now she feels compelled to provide him with care during this difficult period. This experience has posed a challenge to her longstanding endorsement of euthanasia.

The emotional connection has posed a challenge to Peggy's previous beliefs about the importance of assisting a patient in ending their own life. She is constantly weighing Hopkins' medical issues against her role as a euthanasia advocate, questioning whether supporting him aligns with her expected responsibilities. This internal conflict between Peggy and Hopkins complicates their relationship. Peggy believes that what has changed is the magnitude of the complexity and context of this particular case. The realization of the potential consequences weighs heavily on her, as the signs of potentially losing what she loves are difficult to interpret and ever-changing.

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