Hello Hivian, welcome to my blog again. I want to share my perspectives on the topic of EUTHANASIA as asked by
Euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient or painlessly putting to death a person suffering from painful and incurable diseases either by withholding treatment or withdrawing artificial life support measures. I understand that this is a very sensitive topic of discussion for practically everybody because no one jokes about the death of a loved one or a family member.
Death is painful not just because it signifies the end of life but because it reveals the absence of that individual in our lives. We miss them so much that we hardly get by, and we feel like giving up as well when we watch our loved ones take their last breath.
I speak from experience because I too am not a stranger to the icy visit of death when I lost my mother to acute kidney failure. It
has been ten years now and I still feel her absence in my life. I still remember clearly how she died in my arms sniffs (wiping my tears). So believe me when I say I know the feeling.
Euthanasia as a term originates from a Greek word which literally means "good death". It can also be called mercy death. Euthanasia is brought up by medical professionals to patients in unbearable pain and who also suffer from diseases such as some cancers.
Now, do I agree with this way of dying? My honest answer is NO. Do I think that it dignifies the person in his or her decision of how to leave this world? It depends on perspective. Let's not forget that the purpose of éuthanasia is to relieve the pain and suffering of a dying patient, to show them " mercy" and ease their pain.
Taking my experience as a case study, I said earlier that I lost my mum to acute kidney failure. It was a painful period. I watched her health deteriorate before me. We were going for dialysis sessions weekly and I can tell you that it was no small cost, especially in my country, Nigeria where medical bills are really expensive. We sold a lot of our properties so that we could just get money to pay the bills. Now, some persons who are under privileged may not be able to afford the cost of treatment. These persons may opt for euthanasia.
Do I think that it should not be practiced?
Again, it depends on perspective. Some countries do not allow it while some countries allow it. But I still stick to the fact that it's a pa ea personal decision or a decision that relatives can make for their loved ones. It would be difficult to draw a line between right and wrong on this topic, it all comes down to perspective.
Some patients give their consent for parts of their body organs to be used for research purposes upon their demise. We cannot say that what they did is right or wrong. It's a personal decision. The same goes for euthanasia, it's a personal decision, a decision one makes when they have come to terms with what's going on with them. It's not a joyful decision I must point out, but it's a decision nonetheless.
There are places in the world today where many families are poor and cannot afford to go to a hospital for treatment. They cannot even feed properly, and some live below two dollars a day (WHO statistics). Let us understand that the decision to opt for euthanasia is not a happy one, we can be understanding rather than prejudiced. The world can be a better place when we walk on love.
To as many out there who have lost a loved one through this process, I love you and I know it was not easy but you will overcome. Cherish the memories you have of the ones you've lost. Sending hugs to you all. Peace out.
Thanks for reading.