Essay euthanasia
English Module 6
Isa Hubert
2137718
24 October 2023
Index
Final and improved essay............................................................................................................................... 1
First version essay.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Feedback fruits.............................................................................................................................................. 7
Final and improved essay
Words: 496
Euthanasia worldwide
1
, The definition of euthanasia is: “the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly
sick or injured individuals (such as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for
reasons of mercy.”. Euthanasia is a Greek word which means “good death”. Euthanasia is legal in
only 9 out of 196 countries all over the world, including the Netherlands. This essay provides
information about the legal status of euthanasia in the following three countries, firstly on the United
States of America, secondly, The Netherlands and thirdly, South Africa. It mentions where it is legal
and under what criteria.
Firstly, in the United States of America assisted suicide and euthanasia are illegal according to
the law. However, since 1997, any mentally healthy adult in Oregon who, according to two doctors,
has less than six months to live, can request a prescription for euthanasia. In other states of America
euthanasia remains illegal. The doctors are not permitted to help patients end their lives. The only
option for individuals to end their life in places where euthanasia is not allowed is by not drinking
water, not eating and cease taking your medication.
Furthermore, only five states of America, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Vermont and New Mexico,
permit doctors to help patients end their life. These patients can get a prescription and the necessary
drugs at the pharmacy. More than one-third of the people who pick up the drugs, do not actually
use them.
Secondly, in the Netherlands there has been a law since April 2002 regarding euthanasia, which can
be found in the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Review Procedures Act, also
known as “The Act”. It shows two types of euthanasia: termination of life by a doctor and suicide
with the assistance of a doctor. Patients must fulfil some criteria if they want euthanasia. The
physician must ensure that the request was voluntary and well considered, the suffering must be
unbearable and there must be no prospect of improvement.
Thirdly euthanasia is prohibited by law in South Africa, but palliative sedation is not. Palliative
sedation is a practice that is used with patients at the end of their life, by which they relieve severe
and refractory symptoms. People think that palliative sedation has resulted in euthanasia; this is not
the case. Very following protocol is aroused, and legal consequences will result if the protocol is not
followed. The absence of euthanasia in South Africa can be attributed to the late start of palliative
care. There are far too few conversations with the patient about death.
2
English Module 6
Isa Hubert
2137718
24 October 2023
Index
Final and improved essay............................................................................................................................... 1
First version essay.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Feedback fruits.............................................................................................................................................. 7
Final and improved essay
Words: 496
Euthanasia worldwide
1
, The definition of euthanasia is: “the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly
sick or injured individuals (such as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for
reasons of mercy.”. Euthanasia is a Greek word which means “good death”. Euthanasia is legal in
only 9 out of 196 countries all over the world, including the Netherlands. This essay provides
information about the legal status of euthanasia in the following three countries, firstly on the United
States of America, secondly, The Netherlands and thirdly, South Africa. It mentions where it is legal
and under what criteria.
Firstly, in the United States of America assisted suicide and euthanasia are illegal according to
the law. However, since 1997, any mentally healthy adult in Oregon who, according to two doctors,
has less than six months to live, can request a prescription for euthanasia. In other states of America
euthanasia remains illegal. The doctors are not permitted to help patients end their lives. The only
option for individuals to end their life in places where euthanasia is not allowed is by not drinking
water, not eating and cease taking your medication.
Furthermore, only five states of America, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Vermont and New Mexico,
permit doctors to help patients end their life. These patients can get a prescription and the necessary
drugs at the pharmacy. More than one-third of the people who pick up the drugs, do not actually
use them.
Secondly, in the Netherlands there has been a law since April 2002 regarding euthanasia, which can
be found in the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Review Procedures Act, also
known as “The Act”. It shows two types of euthanasia: termination of life by a doctor and suicide
with the assistance of a doctor. Patients must fulfil some criteria if they want euthanasia. The
physician must ensure that the request was voluntary and well considered, the suffering must be
unbearable and there must be no prospect of improvement.
Thirdly euthanasia is prohibited by law in South Africa, but palliative sedation is not. Palliative
sedation is a practice that is used with patients at the end of their life, by which they relieve severe
and refractory symptoms. People think that palliative sedation has resulted in euthanasia; this is not
the case. Very following protocol is aroused, and legal consequences will result if the protocol is not
followed. The absence of euthanasia in South Africa can be attributed to the late start of palliative
care. There are far too few conversations with the patient about death.
2
