Euthanasia by Claudia C. Muñoz Z.

Euthanasia is a controversial topics on the medical praxis. The main issues has been discussed over the time are their moral and ethical implications. On the one hand are those who think that God is the only one who can decide about life, and the other hand, there are those who think that, it is the own person who decides about their destiny, including the decision about their own death. Euthanasia is not a new term, through history there are a lot of evidence about the importance that this topic has had in different times and societies.   The term comes from Greek eu “well” or “good” an thanatos “death”.  For instance, in ancient Greece and Rome euthanasia was practiced, but the rise of Christianity that practice has had several detractors. They argue that life is the most important, and the natural human instincts or survival should prevail.

Nowadays, the remarkable advances in medical fields allow to handling many diseases that in the past would have been certain death.  New technology and treatments permit survivor in extreme circumstances like five heart attacks, strokes and severe traumatic brain injury and many other. In the 19th century and even in the last century were impossible for a human being remain alive after suffer those conditions. Now it is possible and for some people is one opportunity survivor in spite of suffer severe aftermath. They think is better stay alive no matter how.

There are many situations that you can decide whether it is worth living.  Sometimes, better choice is to die. But, human nature is opposite to nature, and always it is trying to find a way to overcome death.  Euthanasia is an option that you could be considered. If you have a mortal disease or a disabling illness, you are in the right to decide whether to continue with life or if you want to end the suffering.

To sum, autonomy is the fact that allow to making the best decision. Life is a right not an obligation, and be for or against euthanasia is correct. The important thing is understand and accept that in this topic there are diverse opinion.  Predominate issue is guarantee the personal will.