Should euthanasia be legalised in Singapore?

The legalisation of euthanasia, also known as physician-assisted suicide, has been a hotly debated and controversial topic for decades. The word “euthanasia” was first used in a medical context by Francis Bacon back in the 17th century, referring to an easy and painless death as the patient can be relieved of their agony. I personally believe that euthanasia should be legalised in Singapore, and in this article, I will provide the various reasons on why euthanasia should be considered as a viable alternative, especially for those who are terminally ill. 

Firstly, as mentioned above, euthanasia allows for the relief of suffering of patients from terminal illness and disease. This removes unnecessary pain and agony suffered by patients. In the case where the patient is deemed incapable of benefitting further from life itself, not worth living or prolonging, then death constitutes a moral good for these patients and euthanasia is in the best interest of the patient and is consistent with the duty of care to protect this interest. Benefitting the patient, euthanasia provides a safe medical practice, where doctors can ensure death in a way that other means of suicide cannot. This is because while suicide is carried out as a form of self-inflicted or self-induced death, euthanasia is carried out legally by medical professionals, hence, people suffering from mental illnesses or patients who have terminal illnesses may deem being administered with euthanasia as the option that they are more comfortable with. Legalising euthanasia hence provides a viable option to care for the critically ill.

Moreover, euthanasia is supported by the fundamental principle of autonomy, which allows for the patient to have the right to choose what is best for his or her life. Euthanasia is also supported by rule and act utilitarianism, which states that a person should abide with the rule that prioritises the well-being and the happiness of eveyone involved. Hence, due to the above-mentioned benefits that euthanasia brings about, the possibility of the legalisation of euthanasia should be evaluated.

As Singapore’s population ages, the number of patients with terminal illnesses such as cancer, dementia (Alzheimer’s) and heart diseases is on the rise. Large amounts of medical resources, funding, manpower and technology, are being spent on sustaining, taking care of and prolonging the lifespan of terminally-ill patients. Perhaps, it is not entirely beneficial for Singapore to continue splurging on healthcare each year, when some patients prefer to put an end to their suffering through physician-assisted suicide.

In a nutshell, taking into consideration the plethora of advantages of euthanasia, such as helping governmental and medical authorities conserve resources, respecting the wishes and rights of patients, as well as taking into account the prevalence of terminal illnesses in Singapore’s growing ageing population, I believe Singapore should evaluate the possibility of legalising euthanasia.

Sources:

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11592035_The_Euthanasia_Debate

Htoo Myat Noe

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