Euthanasia is a touchy topic, especially for religious and ethical reasons. However, as we advance medically and as we discover more diseases that put a lot of people in pain, a new question arises: is euthanasia immoral?  

   Euthanasia is defined as the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable painful disease or an irreversible coma. This, however, is illegal in many countries and outlawed in many religions. For example, Catholic teachings condemn euthanasia, saying that it is an “act against God.”

   In some countries, when a patient is suffering, he or she has access to euthanasia. This is only offered in incurable diseases or conditions such as cancer. The doctor can perform the mercy kill with the consent of the patient. In other words, the person is taken off of life support.

   Euthanasia is not immoral. Doctors are givers of life; however, they are also seen as alleviators of pain. When a person is in so much pain that they have to ask for someone to kill them, one must know that they are truly suffering. Therefore, the doctor must take part in his/her oath and relieve them of their burden.

   However, there must be checks and balances if euthanasia were to happen. Once the patient has requested for it and has been checked that they are sound of mind, the doctor must also use his medical experience to validate that is the right decision. If the doctor reaches the decision that euthanasia has to be performed, then another group of doctors who are not on the case must be consulted. If everyone agrees unanimously, then the procedure can continue. Then, the patient, two witnesses, and the team of doctors must gather in a room with a lawyer, thereby confirming all legal measures. The witnesses stand for the fact that no misconduct has happened. The doctors will sign that all of them do agree upon the measure being followed. The patient will sign that they are agreeing and that neither themselves nor their family will take any legal action against the doctors. Everything is set in stone, and the process is cleared to go to the final stages.

   For one moment, think about the depravity of the situation of someone who has an incurable condition and is practically begging to die. Obviously, there is almost nothing for them to live for, and each day is quite painful. We are humans, and we need to hold on to the part of our humanity that tries to create a pain-free world. What is immoral: twisting around, living every day in unbearable pain, or going to a better place?

   The answer is clear. Euthanasia is not immoral, and if it was legalized, it would help doctors continue to make sure that people are not in pain.