Euthanesia

Mercy Killing. Is it Viable?

The term Mercy killing is a contradictory term. One cannot kill and call it an act of Mercy. This is simply because Mercy in traditional terms, is an emotion that deals with nurturing, caring and help. And Killing on the other hand is to end, to annihilate.

However, Mercy killing in today’s time is an emotional need to euthanize a fellow human being who is living with pain (physical and emotional) and suffering. Is it viable? It is difficult to say. Why? This is because it depends on the person who is fighting the agony and pain in hope of having a life shared with family and friends. This need to linger physically is stronger in those who are not very old and have yet to live a “fulfilled” life. But, on the other hand, it is a welcome choice for those who choose not to live a life of a vegetable who, is in a constant need of attention both medical and spiritual.

I have personally witnessed the dilemma of having to offer the choice of mercy killing or euthanasia. A person suffering from a degenerative disease till it consumes the person, the body and the being is a difficult thing. One tends to forget the real person who we relate and connect to and start to see the vegetable which can’t do anything. This seems inhumane I agree but, what can one do when one has exhausted all hope, resources and loses sight of what was once dear? And then the person who is undergoing the trials and tribulations, the humiliation and the pain is alone here. Even in jest, a melancholic person may ask for death but what of those who think they deserve to spare all those around.

After thinking through it all, how can one firmly tell that Mercy killing is Viable?