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Opinions of some Experts on Euthanasia
ŠTĚRBOVÁ, Lada
The theme of this bachelor's thesis is euthanasia. This theme is very complicated and attends mankind practically since its genesis. Euthanasia has been rather often discussed in mass media lately. From time to time, a scanadalous case appears and divides the society. There was a recent case of Eluana Englar from Italy or Terri Schiav. Of course, these are not only isolated cases in the world but is their solution right or moral? The point of view really matters here. For example, in the case of Eluana Englar, the Italian prime minister's opinion on the patient's death was absolutely different from the Italian president's verdict. The president, on the contrary, enforced her death, at the request of Eluana's husband. There are many terminally ill and dying patients in the world. Their right to the free decision has already been respected in some countries. The acceptance of some forms of euthanasia is passionately discussed in some other countries. The Czech Republic is one of such countries. There was an enourmous discussion about the legalisation of euthanasia in the Czech Republic in 2008. Václava Domšová, a Czech senator, introduced a bill to legalise euthanasia in the Czech Republic before Czech parliament. Her bill was not passed then, but I suppose, it will not last long and this bill will be introduced by someone else. The issue of euthanasia disconcerts perhaps everybody in all civilized countries in the world. Euthanasia law was already passed in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, the state of Washinghton and Oregon. The pro-euthanasia movement, as well as the anti-euthanasia movement are active almost in all countries in the world. Both the opponents and supporters of euthanasia have their own arguments. These arguments, together with opinions of doctors, sociologists, politicians an are mentioned in this thesis. The thesis presents arguments for and against the legalisation of euthanasia. For example, the right to patients' free decision speaks in favour of euthanasia. Proponents of euthanasia rights claim, that everyone has a right to decide about their health and life. For that reason, it is necessary to respect their wish. Another argument mentions lasting pain during the terminal stage of a disease, as well as suffering of a dying patient. Some specialists' articles claim, that euthanasia is commonly performed in our country nowadays, but only on the basis of doctors' decision. Therefore, it is necessary to legalise euthanasia law, which would specify application rules of a reguest for euthanasia. These rules should specify the conditions for euthanasia applicants. The applicants must be terminally ill, in the terminal stage of a disease and must suffer from lasting pains. They must apply in written and repeatedly. The application should be notarially authentic and filed in patient's health record. The application should also be revocable. A medical commission should examine the application and declare, if the patient complies with all the given requirements. The decision about euthanasia should also include the psychiatrist's opinion. The arguments against the legalisation of euthanasia express the possiblity of misuse euthanasia against the aged and the sick. They refer to the Dutch model, in which provably not only people with unbearable pains die. Also lives of the patients who suffer more mentally than physically are ended there. Another argument speaks about the success of lenitive medicine in the field of pain supression. The development of this medical discipline could mean a large shift in the issue of euthanasia. According to specialists, if a patient doesn't feel pain, he or she never requests for euthanasia. Another argument mentions the influence of patient's health and mental state on his or her decision. The main symptom of people in depression is their desire to die.
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