Newspaper Review 4

Date: 13th Dec 08
Title: Seeking Death in a Bottle [D1-D9]
The Straits Times, Part D: Saturday

Outline:
Euthanasia is mercy killing. The term means killing patients to relieve them of their painful suffering in a painless way. Now, the number of elderly folk pleading with the government to legalise euthanasia is rising. The various articles “debate” on whether should euthanasia be legalised or not. Both the pros and cons of euthanasia are brought out in these articles, and the choice is for the world to make.

Reflection:
As an individual, I feel that the laws regarding euthanasia should not be changed, to stay the way they are right now, somewhat “partially” legalised. But, you may ask, why not be totally for it? Or be entirely against it?

Firstly, I do not agree that it should be fully legalised because as stated in the paper, some newborns are put to death simply because of the fact that they are disabled. They had no choice at all to live, and their live was just extinguished by their parents’ decision! Perhaps they might still have wanted to live, despite being handicapped. Technology is rapidly getting more advanced. They might still be able to lead normal lives! This ‘newborn’ law should not be put into use, in my opinion.

Then, I am also not fully against euthanasia as we must spare a thought for the suffering patients. Stricken with terminal illnesses, they have to experience and endure such torment and pain. They should be offered an option, to a pain-free death. For example, there is a colon cancer patient whose case was stated about in the newspaper. She suffered an extremely agonizing demise. She had to vomit her faeces till death claimed her. She should have been given the chance to die painlessly, but the government was unrelenting.

Thus, I feel that euthanasia should be restricted to only suffering patients who have incurable terminal illnesses. They have a right to die the way they want to.

Valerie Lim.