A LICENCE TO KILL PVS PATIENTS

Abstract

Euthanasia remains the subject of ongoing intense debate worldwide. The practice of painlessly putting to death persons suffering from incurable conditions or diseases indeed brings together with it a lot of debate and medical dilemma. Groups in favour or opposing it both have their own strong arguments. The recent decision in the United States involving Terri Schiavo has indeed rekindled interest worldwide in this controversy. Claims that every human has the right to live are normally defeated by the "best Interest argument". Thus this paper aims to focus on passive euthanasia applied upon terminally ill patients who are believed to no longer benefit from any curative treatment. Dilemmas and Issues on whether to "withdraw" or "withhold" treatment in palliative care will also be attempted. Upon whom does the responsibility to decide such matters lie on and does it not turn people into playing God? The current method utilized in bringing about death and conditions allowing such practice to be done will also be included. Finally through a doctrinal approach, the paper will also shed light and analyse the controversial death of Terri Schiavo recently while at the same time compare the issue from the Islamic perspective.