Euthanasia issues always evolving around a fine line of “mercy killing” – usually motivated due to a person suffering from incurable illness and disease.

What is euthanasia? According to a knol written by Sam Vaknin on euthanasia:

Euthanasia is the intentional premature termination of another person’s life either by direct intervention (active euthanasia) or by withholding life-prolonging measures and resources (passive euthanasia), either at the express or implied request of that person (voluntary euthanasia), or in the absence of such approval (non-voluntary euthanasia). Involuntary euthanasia – where the individual wishes to go on living – is an euphemism for murder.

In my opinion, passive euthanasia is immoral – I agree with Sam on this. The withholding of medical treatments will result in a slow and potentially torturous death.

The issues on euthanasia has always been related to the right to live and the right to life. Questions, such as, “killing or letting die?” “morally acceptable or rightfully acceptable?” are always the debate topic among society members. The more issues raised, the more unanswered questions uncovered and the more moral dilemma issues raised.

To explore Sam Vaknin’s arguments on euthanasia, please visit his thoughtful knol.