Final answer:
Euthanasia should be legalized based on respecting individual autonomy, preventing unnecessary suffering, and improving discussions and palliative care surrounding end-of-life decisions. Countries like the Netherlands have shown that legal mechanisms can prevent abuse, and legal precedents from Oregon support the humane choices euthanasia offers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons for Legalizing Euthanasia
There are several reasons why euthanasia should be legalized. Firstly, legalizing euthanasia respects the autonomy of the individual. People should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, especially when it comes to end-of-life care. Australian philosopher Peter Singer argues that denying a person's wish to end their own suffering when they deem their life not worth living, is to deny them their autonomy.
Secondly, euthanasia can sometimes be a more humane option, preventing unnecessary suffering. When a patient is terminally ill and experiencing unbearable pain, euthanasia can provide a dignified and compassionate end. Singer supports this view, holding that it's moral to help someone avoid a prolonged, painful death.
Lastly, legalizing euthanasia could lead to better palliative care and encourage open discussions about death and dying. With euthanasia as a legally recognized option, it can pave the way for more resources to be allocated towards palliative care, improving the quality of life for terminally ill patients who choose to live out their natural lives.
Evidence Supporting the Legalization of Euthanasia
Regarding evidence to support legalizing euthanasia, consider that legal provisions in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium have enabled patients to make end-of-life decisions with dignity while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent abuse of the practice. Additionally, Oregon's Death with Dignity Act has been upheld through numerous legal challenges, indicating a strong legal precedent for supporting such measures. There's also evidence suggesting that in jurisdictions where euthanasia is legal, there is no significant increase in the number of deaths but rather a shift towards more humane dying procedures.