[回答例あり]尊厳死は認められるべき？/英検1級筆記・面接対策 トピック[医療・保健]

Euthanasia, the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering, remains a contentious issue in contemporary society. While some argue for its legalization as a compassionate choice for individuals facing terminal illness or unbearable suffering, I contend that euthanasia should remain illegal. This essay will explore three key reasons supporting this position.

Firstly, legalizing euthanasia poses significant ethical concerns regarding the sanctity of life. Allowing individuals to end their lives under certain circumstances may lead to a devaluation of human existence, undermining the fundamental principle that every life has inherent worth. This erosion of the value of life could have far-reaching consequences for society, potentially placing vulnerable individuals at risk of coercion or exploitation.

Secondly, the legalization of euthanasia could undermine the trust in medical professionals and the healthcare system as a whole. Patients may become hesitant to seek medical treatment, fearing that cost considerations or pressure to end their lives could compromise the quality of care they receive. Such distrust could hinder effective doctor-patient relationships and impede the delivery of comprehensive medical services.

Lastly, legalizing euthanasia may overshadow the importance of palliative care and pain management for terminally ill patients. Advances in medical science have provided alternative treatments to alleviate suffering and enhance the quality of life for those facing terminal conditions. By legalizing euthanasia, society risks neglecting these alternatives and failing to provide adequate support and comfort to individuals nearing the end of their lives.

In conclusion, euthanasia should remain illegal to uphold the sanctity of life, preserve trust in the healthcare system, and ensure that terminally ill patients receive comprehensive end-of-life care. By maintaining the prohibition on euthanasia, society can uphold fundamental ethical principles and prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals.

※palliative 緩和の　そのほかに英検1級で重要となりそうなレベルのキーワードは斜体にしています。
terminal conditions condition＝条件、というイメージが強いですが、医療の場合は「病気」「疾患」「体調」といったニュアンスが強くなってきますので、ここもその意味。

視点としては、その１）人命の尊厳の軽視、その２）医療における信頼関係へ与える悪影響　その３）緩和ケアなど終末期医療の軽視につながる恐れ　を上げていますね。その２のところは、最後の最後まで治療を諦めない、という姿勢に弊害がでるんじゃないか（＝もう〇〇だし尊厳死でいいじゃん、的になりかねない）という点。ちょっとドキッとしますね。最後は２と似てる気もしますが、緩和ケアでゆっくりと週末ケアをできたところを、その努力をせず尊厳死で早々に終わらせたりする例も出てくるんじゃないか、と。ううむ、確かに。

The debate surrounding euthanasia, the deliberate termination of a person's life to end suffering, is one of profound ethical and moral complexity. While advocates argue for its legalization to grant individuals autonomy over their end-of-life decisions, I firmly oppose the notion that euthanasia should be legal. In this essay, I will elucidate three substantial reasons supporting this standpoint.

Firstly, the legalization of euthanasia may pose significant risks to vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or disabled, who could feel pressured to choose death over life due to societal expectations or financial burdens. In a society that values human life, legalizing euthanasia could inadvertently send a message that some lives are disposable, undermining the fundamental principle of human dignity.

Secondly, the implementation of euthanasia laws could strain the doctor-patient relationship and erode trust in the medical profession. Patients may become apprehensive about seeking medical care, fearing that physicians might prioritize cost-saving measures over genuine efforts to provide comfort and alleviate suffering. Such apprehension could hinder the delivery of comprehensive healthcare services and compromise patient well-being.

Lastly, the legalization of euthanasia may divert attention and resources away from improving palliative care and pain management for terminally ill patients. Rather than investing in measures to enhance quality of life and provide compassionate end-of-life care, society might opt for the expedient solution of euthanasia. This neglect of alternative options could deprive individuals of the opportunity to experience peaceful and dignified deaths surrounded by supportive care.

In conclusion, the legalization of euthanasia raises profound ethical dilemmas and risks undermining the sanctity of life, eroding trust in the medical profession, and neglecting the importance of palliative care. Therefore, I maintain that euthanasia should remain illegal, and efforts should be directed towards improving end-of-life care to ensure that individuals receive compassionate support and comfort in their final days.

Euthanasia, the act of deliberately ending a person's life to relieve suffering, has sparked intense debate worldwide. While some argue for its legalization as a humane choice for individuals facing unbearable pain or terminal illness, I advocate that euthanasia should not be illegal. This essay will delve into three compelling reasons supporting this stance.

Firstly, legalizing euthanasia respects individual autonomy and the right to self-determination. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their own lives, especially in situations of profound suffering where death may be preferable to prolonged agony. Denying individuals the option of euthanasia can be viewed as a violation of their basic human rights and freedom of choice.

Secondly, euthanasia can alleviate unnecessary suffering for terminally ill patients. For those facing incurable diseases or experiencing excruciating pain, euthanasia offers a dignified and compassionate way to end their suffering. It allows individuals to die peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, rather than enduring prolonged agony and distress.

Lastly, legalizing euthanasia promotes transparency and safeguards against abuse. By establishing clear regulations and protocols, society can ensure that euthanasia is carried out ethically and with the utmost respect for patient autonomy. Proper oversight and safeguards can prevent any potential misuse or coercion, protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.

In conclusion, euthanasia should not be illegal, as it respects individual autonomy, alleviates unnecessary suffering, and can be implemented with appropriate safeguards. By legalizing euthanasia, society can uphold the principles of compassion and dignity, allowing individuals the freedom to make end-of-life decisions that align with their values and beliefs.

The contentious issue of euthanasia, or assisted dying, continues to provoke intense debate globally. While opponents argue that legalizing euthanasia undermines the sanctity of life, I advocate for its legalization as a compassionate and dignified option for individuals facing terminal illness or unbearable suffering. In this essay, I will present three compelling reasons supporting the legalization of euthanasia.

Firstly, euthanasia upholds the principle of individual autonomy and respects the right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. Allowing individuals to choose euthanasia empowers them to maintain control over their end-of-life care, enabling them to avoid unnecessary suffering and maintain dignity in their final moments.

Secondly, legalizing euthanasia promotes compassion and alleviates suffering for terminally ill patients. For those experiencing unbearable pain or facing incurable diseases, euthanasia offers a merciful release from prolonged agony and provides a peaceful end to their suffering. It allows individuals to die with dignity, surrounded by loved ones, rather than enduring unnecessary pain and distress.

Lastly, the legalization of euthanasia enables proper regulation and oversight, ensuring that the practice is carried out ethically and with due consideration for patient safety and well-being. Establishing clear guidelines and safeguards can prevent abuse and protect vulnerable individuals from coercion or exploitation, thereby safeguarding their rights and interests.

In conclusion, the legalization of euthanasia respects individual autonomy, promotes compassion, and enables proper regulation to safeguard patient welfare. By granting individuals the right to choose a dignified and merciful end to their suffering, society affirms the values of autonomy, compassion, and human dignity. Therefore, euthanasia should be legalized to provide terminally ill patients with a compassionate and dignified option at the end of life.