Discussion: Endless Cycles of Rebirth
Euthanasia Euthanasia is a Greek term that means “ good death.” Also called mercy killing, it is the act or practice of ending the life of an individual who is suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition by lethal injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment. The person who is suffering from the painful and incurable disease or incapacitating physical disorder is painlessly put to death. Because there is no specific provision for it in most legal systems, it is usually regarded as a crime: suicide (if performed by the patient) or murder (if performed by another person, which includes physician-assisted suicide).
Murder and suicide are against the belief systems of most religions, so in those systems it would be considered morally wrong. In some religions, such as Hinduism, suicide is acceptable if it is done by fasting because it is nonviolent. Other reasons for religious opposition are the concern for patients who may be in vulnerable positions because of their illness or their lack of social and economic resources. There is fear that patients who cannot afford expensive treatment, for example, will be pressured to accept euthanasia. There also is great concern about the moral nature of the doctor’s professional self.
Karma and rebirth are other considerations for not supporting euthanasia. Karma is the total effect of a person’s actions and conduct during the successive phases of the person’s existence, which is regarded as determining the person’s destiny. Karma extends beyond one’s present life to all past and future lives as well. In Hinduism and Buddhism, human beings are believed to be captured in endless cycles of rebirth and reincarnation. In both traditions, all living creatures (humans, animals, and plants) represent manifestations of the laws of karmic rebirth.
Resuscitation if breathing or heart beat stops
Artificial hydration and nutrition (tube feeding)
Withholding food and fluids
Organ or tissue donation
Comfort care
A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that names your health care representative who can speak for you when you cannot. This is someone you trust to make health care decisions if you are unable to do so. Survey data suggest that about 26% of the U.S. population has a
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