It is time to realise that euthanasia in such extreme cases of excruciating distress, is an act of compassion
KARACHI: Euthanasia is another word for mercy killing. It is the practice of intentionally ending a patient’s life to relieve suffering and pain, which he or she may have due to a painful and incurable disease or condition. There have been about 2,700 mercy killings in the past year all over the world, and though it is frowned upon in most countries, euthanasia is legal in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It has been said, “It is better to die in comfort than to live in perpetual pain.” This statement has proven to be extremely accurate, despite the many disagreements it has faced.
Most people have a pessimistic view on euthanasia, but they don’t understand the views of the patients themselves. People who go through insufferable pain everyday while alive would rather die in peace and comfort, despite the vehement refusal of their family and friends. In fact, it is cruel to force someone to live in so much discomfort and agony from day to day, moment to moment. Rather than helping them, we are just prolonging the inevitable, which just leads to more pain and suffering.
The patient’s family usually spends millions on ineffective and fruitless medications and procedures, trying to extend their loved one’s life. This is understandable, as they do this out of love, guilt, or any good intention that they may have. Unfortunately, it does more harm than good. They are doing it more for their own sake, because they are not ready to let go of their loved one. They need to know that, even if it is difficult, everything should be done solely to make the patient’s last days comfortable and content.
Keeping patients on ventilators isn’t real living. When they do not even know or feel what is happening around them, when they cannot see, hear, speak, feel, or even think properly, how can they ever be content or satisfied with their life? How can they be happy? How is it ok to make them suffer like this? Their pain doesn’t disappear, it is just suppressed. Their death isn’t evaded, it is delayed.
It is against nature to tamper with someone’s life — or, in this case, their death. Some people might disagree, protest, and argue that these patients are human beings, and that it is impossible for anyone to let their loved ones be taken away so easily. What needs to be understood is that it is the patient’s needs that are the number one priority, no matter how it affects their families and friends in the long run. It is time to let go. It is time to realise that euthanasia, despite what people may think, in such extreme cases of excruciating distress, is an act of compassion.
Daniya Ghauri
Published in The Express Tribune, June 13th, 2015.
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