IndexIntroductionDefinition of euthanasiaPsychological and physiological aspectsReligious aspectsAdvantages of euthanasiaIntroductionThe question of the value of human life has been a topic of debate for centuries. The belief that life is a gift from a higher power has led to the idea that individuals have no right to make decisions about their own lives. However, there is an ongoing controversy on the topic of euthanasia, as it raises fundamental questions about the nature of human existence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayDefinition of EuthanasiaTo better understand the complexities of this issue, it is important to establish a clear definition of euthanasia. Euthanasia is defined as the act of intentionally ending the life of a terminally ill individual to relieve his or her suffering (What is euthanasia?). This practice is legal in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, some US states, Luxembourg, and others. While the definition may seem simple, it opens the door to extensive discussion and disagreement. Psychological and physiological aspects The question of euthanasia cannot be discussed without considering the psychological and physiological aspects that come into play. The mental state of both the patient and their loved ones is a significant factor in this debate. Patients may have difficulty expressing their true desires due to pain and suffering. Their desire for euthanasia may stem from a desire to spare loved ones emotional distress. The same can be said for the patient's relatives, whose desire to end their loved one's suffering may be driven by their own emotional pain. Religious aspects Most religions around the world oppose euthanasia, and some outright prohibit it. For example, the Roman Catholic Church and Islam are actively against euthanasia. Islam strictly prohibits any form of suicide, thus condemning euthanasia. Buddhism believes that a request for euthanasia can have a negative impact on the karma of both the doctor and the patient. Furthermore, Buddhism teaches that one should accept suffering, so a request for euthanasia is seen as a reflection of the person's troubled state of mind. Many religions consider human life sacred, as it is a gift from a higher power. As a result, they argue that it is not within human authority to end life. Benefits of Euthanasia Despite the complexities surrounding euthanasia, there are arguments in favor of it. A clear benefit is that euthanasia can provide relief to individuals who are experiencing prolonged suffering (Benjamin, para. 4). This has a historical precedent, since already in ancient times euthanasia was practiced to end the agony of seriously wounded soldiers. Another advantage is that euthanasia allows individuals to have control over their lives, giving them the choice to determine whether their life should continue or not (Euthanasia – Pros and Cons of Mercy Killing, par. 5). Supporters argue that this right should be respected, as it allows terminally ill patients to alleviate the suffering of their loved ones. Disadvantages of Euthanasia However, there are significant arguments against euthanasia that highlight its negative aspects. One of these disadvantages is the psychological toll it can have on the patient's loved ones. They may feel guilty for not taking steps to prevent their loved one's death or they may struggle with the decision to end their own life. Furthermore, opponents argue that euthanasia devalues ​​human life by treating it as “disposable.” They believe that every individual has inherent worth and dignity, regardless.