Ethical Considerations

of Euthanasia

Norms and values of the society

Norms and values manifest in
regarding what is morally right
the person himself/herself or
This consideration refers
within the family members
to a situation where it is

In this ethical consideration,

morally right to end one’s the conduct of euthanasia is

life in order to save a defined according to the

greater number and person’s or his/her family’s

prevent further damage. values and norms. Through

their norms and values that

It only means that the

have been established due to

existence of an individual
close family ties among them,

who has a contagious

the act of euthanasia may be

disease is less significant

determined as against the

than the life of the

desire of family members.

community or the society

as a whole. Thus, under

And as for the majority of

this type of ethical

Filipino people and families,

consideration, euthanasia
the conduct of euthanasia is

is done to get rid of the

most likely considered an act

infectious disease by
that bends the norms and

eliminating the person

values manifested in them.

who contains it.

MORAL ISSUES OF
EUTHANASIA
Autonomy about the timing and manner Sanctity of Human Life
of one’s death
The sanctity of human life is one of the key reasons
Proponents of assisted suicide argue that the right to
against euthanasia. According to this argument,
autonomy, especially at the end of life, superior the
each person’s body is made in the image of God. It
claim that life must be preserved. Moreover, when a
is God’s property, and no one has the authority to
person’s condition is terminal, and death is imminent, the

sacredness of life is greatly reduced. destroy God’s property. Because God created life,

It is nice for a person to be able to choose the time and only God has the right to take it. Suicide is a

manner of his or her death. But this decision must betrayal of God’s sacred trust of life. It is a
consider the effect it would have on others. Medical rejection of God’s supremacy. Life should not be
practitioners who assist with suicides will become
terminated or shortened for the sake of a patient’s
immune to their natural prohibitions against ending
comfort.
another person’s life over time. This will undoubtedly

impact how these physicians and others close to them

view the importance of life preservation.

Diagnosis and Prognosis Mistakes

Death with Dignity
Proponents of physician-assisted suicide contend that

The second major argument favoring legalizing terminally ill patients who are competent and have

euthanasia is that people have the rights to die with fewer than six months to live should have the right to

dignity. end their lives.

The last months of a person’s life should not be spent in Also, assuming the legislation’s logic, advocates are

severe physical pain, dependent on others for nutrition, assuming that physicians will be able to diagnose a

hydration, and bodily hygiene, deteriorating physically patient’s condition and prognosis properly; determine if

and mentally, and experiencing a declining vision, the patient is terminally ill; if the patient has less than six

hearing, and mobility. Family members, relatives, and months to live; whether the patient is competent;

friends do not have to witness a loved one’s decline and whether the patient is acting under duress; and whether

suffering. Our final thoughts about a loved one should the patient’s pain and depression can be treated.

be filled with joy and respect.

A dignified and humane death

Utilitarian Reasoning
If this is a valid point, then it is equally valid to
Another point advanced by proponents of contend that there is no difference between giving

assisted suicide is that the benefits outweigh someone a pill (physician-assisted suicide) and

the costs. Supporters contend that euthanasia giving them an injection (Euthanasia). It is also

helps terminally ill patients avoid needless logical that if we can prescribe medication or

suffering and pain in their final days. It allows inject someone who has incurable pain who has a

a patient to have control over the timing and life expectancy of fewer than six months, we

manner of death. And that it promotes death should be able to prescribe medication and inject

someone who has incurable pain who would die

with dignity. At the end of life, an individual’s
within a year, five years, or ten years.
right to self-determination is honored.

BIOETHICAL ISSUE: EUTHANASIA

 LEGAL ISSUES AND
CONCERNS OF
EUTHANASIA

the illegal
conduct of power and
euthanasia wealth

classification
lack of consent of
as an assisted
the victim's family
suicide
members, or
relatives.

the illegal conduct of euthanasia

some cases may involve the use of prohibited
paraphernalia in order to commit the act, especially
the performance of euthanasia
in connivance with a group of persons with lethal
weapons. In this case, the chances
of allowing the person to survive is minimal. It is also
possible that the act is carried
out because the principal perpetrator has the
intention of killing the victim.

power and wealth

euthanasia may be
performed in order to
acquire the wealth and
power of the deceased

classification as an assisted suicide

in the case of euthanasia as an assisted suicide, it is clearly
provided by the provision of Revised Penal Code that:

PRISON MAYOR: Any person who shall assist another to

commit suicide shall suffer from prison mayor, if such person
leads his assistance to another to the extent of doing the
killing himself, he shall suffer the penalty o reclusion
temporal.
ARRESTO MAYOR: If the suicide is not consummated, the
penalty of arresto mayor in its medium and maximum periods
shall be imposed.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/euthanasia-and-assisted-suicide/
https://www.cmaao.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/32nd_symposium_12_SYMPhilippines.pd
Philippine Medical Technology Laws and Bioethics, Suba et al., 361

BIOETHICAL ISSUE: EUTHANASIA