Interreligious perspectives on euthanasia

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.21860/j.16.2.5 

Various ethical, legal, theological, and sociological issues arise around the topic of euthanasia. Discussions often become intense as they explore whether patients have the right to desire or even induce their premature death, or whether they have the right to refuse continuation of futile treatment. Proponents of euthanasia emphasize the right to autonomy, self-determination, freedom of will, and dignity. They argue that patients should have the right to choose their moment of death to avoid the humiliation and incapacity associated with a painful and prolonged journey towards death. On the other hand, those opposed to euthanasia stress that life is a supreme good, which people have a duty to protect. They highlight the sanctity of life, the naturalness of its end, and the potential risk of abuse of the method, as its application could be extended to various vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and the mentally ill. This article, without overlooking these interesting issues, attempts an interreligious examination of the matter, aiming to reveal how the three major monotheistic religions, as well as Hinduism and Buddhism, assess, interpret, and understand this practice. The purpose of the article is to highlight both the converging and diverging positions of different theories and to more fully understand the various theological and cultural dimensions that shape the contemporary bioethical perception of euthanasia.