Euthanasia, 500 Word Rant

There are many moral, religious, emotional, and legal aspects associated with the issue of euthanasia, making it an extremely sensitive and controversial issue. Because of my personal religious views, I started this rant with an unpersuadable attitude towards even just the idea of assisted suicide. I was ready to ignore all opposing reasoning because I knew assisted suicide was wrong. I was unmoving in my position against euthanasia and my conclusion was not to be tampered with. That is until I started digging deeper, really educating myself

By reading first hand accounts of those who have struggled with watching loved ones live in prolonged discomfort I have gained a better insight on the subject of assisted suicide, and can understand where several points could be made in favor of euthanasia. Many would say even arguing against assisted suicide is cruel because it's inhumane to prolong the suffering of one that is in much pain and are unable to function for themselves. We tend to see it as an obligation, to relieve the suffering of our fellow human beings; rather than forcing them to live with pain and discomfort they should have the option to die in dignity surrounded by people they love. But despite my new perception on euthanasia, I maintain my position against legalizing it.

The Church believes in the sanctity of human life. As a member, it is by this reasoning I conclude it's not up to us to decide when we leave this mortal life. When asked, the Church stated their position on euthanasia. The release stated that "When dying from such an illness or an accident becomes inevitable, it should be seen as a blessing and a purposeful part of eternal existence. Members should not feel obligated to extend mortal life by means that are unreasonable." The release continues on, saying that when there is nothing more to improve their health, the decision to take someone off life support is to be made by the afflicted's family members based upon medical advice and after having actively sought out guidance through fasting and prayer.

Religion aside, I still hold true to my viewpoint. Society has a moral duty to protect and to preserve all life, and I feel that allowing people to assist in the destruction of human life violates this duty of respect for human life. Since todays society prides itself on its commitment to preserve and protect life, we should not be commissioning people to destroy it! With the continual improvement of technology, we now have the power to sustain the lives of patients whose physical and mental capabilities cannot be restored. As medicine struggles to pull more and more people away from the edge of death, the fight for euthanasia as an end to prolonged pain becomes more prominent. But if we just let nature run its course, would this controversial issue even be an issue anymore? 

Unfortunately for my cause, everybody is allowed to have their own opinions on the subject matter, and it's crazy to think I can change their views with a 500 word rant. But then again, it's not my job to do so.