Euthanasia is typically thought of as only applying to cases involving the termination of human life to end suffering. However, the definition of euthanasia is ‘The merciful act of helping a person or animal end their life in a painless way due to a terminal and/or very painful health condition.’

We are familiar with this practice, therefore, as it is applied to our beloved cats, dogs, and rabbits. And we see it as an act of mercy.

It has also been common in warfare. Many a dying soldier was put out of his misery, either by comrades or merciful adversaries, during the First and Second World War. Better a quick death than a slow lingering one, when there is no hope of recovery.

However, when it comes to using euthanasia on humans in a civilian setting, it is a topic that provokes much greater controversy.

There are arguments both for and against allowing it. This article, however, is entitled ‘Arguments against euthanasia’, so I will concentrate on the reasons against.

1. Religious reasons. Some religions think it is wrong to end a human life, even if the patient is in prolonged severe pain.
2. Moral reasons. Many people are uncomfortable that factors other than the wellbeing of the patient will be allowed to come into play. For example, a son who wants his inheritance. Or doctors who need a hospital bed.
3. Influence of temporary depression. Instances of attempted suicide show that they are many individuals who have moments of wishing they were dead, but who subsequently change their minds. How do we ensure that a patient’s stated desire for death isn’t based upon depression rather than the actual physical pain they are suffering?
4. Ability to make a reasoned judgement. What about cases where patients are senile, or have mental retardation. Can we be sure that they are able to make an informed choice?
5. Conflict with doctors hippocratic oath. Doctors swear an oath to try to preserve life. For them to take part in the active ending of a human life could be perceived as being in conflict with their sworn oath. And could lead to a diminution of their standing in society.
6. Where will it lead? There are those who agree in principle that there are circumstances where it is in the best interests of the patient to die. However, they are still opposed to euthanasia because they are concerned about where a well-intentioned law would end up. What about people who are just suicidal? Or who are suffering low level prolonged pain, where drugs could be an effective option? Is there a danger that, over time, the rules would become even more liberal and allow these people the right to have their lives ended?

It is important to note that the majority of people who take a stance either for or against euthanasia do so for the best of reasons. Those who are in support of it want to ensure that vulnerable people are not forced to endure prolonged pain and loss of dignity. Those who are against it are concerned at possible abuses, or have a genuine moral or religious belief that we should not end the life of another, no matter how horrific the individual circumstances.