Active And Passive Euthanasia Essay - 1739 Words

Rachels and Brock In â€Å"Active and Passive Euthanasia† Rachels demonstrates the similarities between passive and active euthanasia. He claims that if one is permissible, than the other must also be accessible to a patient who prefers that particular fate. Rachels spends the majority of the article arguing against the recommendations of the AMA. The AMA proposes that active euthanasia contradicts what the medical profession stands for. The AMA thinks that ending a person’s life is ethically wrong, yet believes that a competent patient has a right to choose passive euthanasia, meaning to refuse treatment in this case. Rachels makes four claims arguing against that AMA statement. Rachels first argument is explained through justice and†¦show more content†¦Rachels’s third point in the argument states that there is not a fine line between passive and active euthanasia. He sets up two scenarios involving two cousins. In the first scenario, Smith plans to dr own his cousin in order to inherit money. The second scenario involves a person by the name of Jones. Jones plans on drowning his cousin for money, but the cousin falls, hits their head and drowns without Jones’ help. Jones witnessed the entire incident and could have stopped it, instead he allowed the tragedy to happen. Rachels concludes that killing and allowing to die, or active and passive euthanasia, are equal. They have the same intention. Rachels sums up his last argument by pointing out the major flaw of the AMA’s position on euthanasia. Even if taking away treatment seems helpful to the patient, the end result is still death. The same occurs for active euthanasia. Rachels concludes that passive euthanasia is just as moral as active euthanasia. Therefore, active euthanasia must be allowed if passive is also allowed. Brock’s article discusses the morality of voluntary active euthanasia. Brock knows that voluntary active euthanasia has its disadvantages, b ut that the advantages are much greater. He has four main benefits for making voluntary active euthanasia legal. The first benefit involves self-determination. He believes that everyone should have control over their health, body and life. Legalizing VAE would show respect toShow MoreRelatedEuthanasia Is Morally Permissible?850 Words   |  4 PagesEuthanasia, as defined by many philosophers, should only be morally permissible in certain circumstances where it benefits the one who dies. It is a widely held belief that an act of euthanasia aims at benefiting the one who dies. 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