Active and Passive Euthanasia - Literature review Example

Rachels uses several stories to illustrate his arguments, the most famous of which is the man murdering his six-year-old cousin in the bathtub and letting him drown by doing nothing. I find that argument ridiculous because both examples are morally wrong—they are both murder, and the guy should be prosecuted in both situations. It is a very different situation than a doctor or family member allowing someone to die or participating in active euthanasia. I also find the Down’s syndrome examples unsatisfying.

Rachels wrote his essay in the 1970s, and medical treatments for babies born with Down’s has greatly improved since then. My problem with Rachels’ arguments is that it is obvious that he does not believe in the sanctity of life. If he did, he might have felt differently about giving doctors the right and ability to euthanize their patients, although it is true that many doctors already do so, especially when patients are experiencing terrible pain. I do agree, however, that it is immoral for doctors to withdraw treatment when they decide that a patient should die and that it is the same as active euthanasia.

For these reasons, I do not find Rachels’ arguments compelling or persuasive.