Euthanasia, which is often portrayed as a compassionate option, is actually quite the opposite. The act of deliberately killing a person because of a medical condition destroys the patient caregiver relationship, just as Dr. Ryan Anderson of the Heritage Foundation described at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law in October.
Dr. Ryan Anderson made a key distinction in his argument, which is critical to consider when discussing euthanasia. Euthanasia would catastrophically alter the doctor’s role of caregiver to the role of killer if euthanasia were to become legal. Further, the marginalized in society are the most at risk because euthanasia has been seen to be much less expensive than continuing healthcare.
Recently, this fear has come to fruition. A woman named Stephanie Packer, who has terminal cancer, was denied treatment from her insurance company, but offered euthanasia for a co-payment of just $1.20. She says, “California enacted a law permitting doctor-assisted suicide. And something terrible happened. Premature passing away with medical help is now widely seen as preferable to painful, prolonged living.” This invited a shift in insurance policies, in which cost-conscious insurance companies eagerly offer suicide drugs but deny expensive medical care.
Stephanie wants to enjoy each day with her children, and refuses to succumb to death through euthanasia, a brave and life affirming decision that I applaud.
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