Case Study on Euthanasia

Running head: Case study on Euthanasia
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CASE STUDY ON EUTHANASIA1
In this article taking the consideration of George’s life and sufferings who is down
with a disease we will try to ascertain the feelings regarding euthanasia and Christian
worldview. George is a young boy suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which
is a rare neurological disease and has life expectancy of around 3-4 years in general. The
disease has the potential to destroy his life as this condition would result in gradual
detoriation of his motor neurons and may be wheel chair bound in coming years. These
thoughts has compelled George to think about euthanasia and its effects (Bradley, 2016). The
treatment may only control the degeneration but no complete cure is present. In this situation
where there is no way out that he may live a healthy life, he is thinking to end his life in the
form of assisted death. Euthanasia is a controversial topic and people have different
prospective regarding this. In Christian worldview, euthanasia or assisted death is not
acceptable, as it is believed that the termination of life is not upon our hands and only god has
the right. Natural death is the best option according to Christian views. In other view if we
analyse the situation of George it will be evident that how badly his life will be affected, as
he would lead a painful life. Euthanasia may be against faiths and religious beliefs of many
but if a person has no will to live than it cannot be forced and that too such painful sufferings
(Cherry, 2018). George must undergo proper counselling first to ascertain the situations and
then lead to a concluding decision. His decision must be respected and would prove
important for his family members (Dragona, 2018). Euthanasia is not always right thing to do
but in case of loss of own dignity it is important to give it a thought.
In Christian worldview, it is against the principles to opt for euthanasia or assisted
suicide as they belief that this act is similar to terminating gods’ image. Human body or life is
supposed to be given by the god and it is against god’s wishes. Christian views are against
this form of assisted suicides as it gives a wrong power to people regarding this issue (De
Lima et al., 2017). For instance, a person suffering from depression may opt for euthanasia

CASE STUDY ON EUTHANASIA2
other than undergoing any treatment. Christian worldview wants to give more focus on
palliative care for healing. This idea mostly focuses on the importance and value of life and
prevents from destroying or taking own life. Euthanasia is mostly criticised by the Christians
as they belief that one should not think there life as worthless (Emanuel et al., 2018).
Euthanasia is not supported even to end the sufferings due to health problem. It is believed
that people who are of old age and have less expectancy must also give their life a chance and
not opt for assisted suicides as every human being irrespective of his condition has the same
value. According to Christian values everyone must try to lead a happy and fit life other
taking their life in own terms. The answer to Georges suffering in Christianity is palliative
care and treatment. Euthanasia may not be allowed in Christian worldview as after studying
the features and taking considerations of all their points it is clear that it is against their
principles (Fulk, 2017). The only answer to their sufferings is palliative care with increased
interventions in health care. This prospective may not adhere to Georges thoughts who seeks
to end his life to escape the sufferings. Everyone is expected to lead a normal death according
to natures and gods wishes.
Georges sufferings relating to pain can be understood from the human context. The
pain has no end, as there is no treatment available to terminate the illness. Georges anguish
and pain can be interpreted in Christian worldview but death is not the answer (Keown,
2018). Georges illness has made him feel like a prisoner in his own body and losing all
confidence and faith in life. Christian worldview will not let George commit assisted suicides
as this is against their principles. There is also a view in Christianity which beliefs in quality
life for all, so this may apply to George who is devoid of a quality life. His illness would
make him wheel chair bound and he may lead a normal life (Parker, 2016). He would not be
able to continue his job and lead his family life. This would hamper his life in future and
according to George, he may have to depend on others for basic needs. George’s rare illness