Euthanasia - is it a moral act?

"I think only through suffering all our wonderful human qualities come out in us. 

Unless and until you suffer, how will you understand other suffering?"
                                                                                                              Sree Chakravarti 'A Healing Journey'

A number of truths appear to be self-evident; 

    a) compassion can be defined as any act that helps alleviate suffering. 

    b) alleviating suffering can range from giving aspirin for pain relief or terminating life.

    c) it is the motivation behind alleviating suffering that determines the moral value of the act.

    d) It is morally better to euthanase too late than too early.

If alleviating suffering involves giving aspirin, then this is a morally good act. This of course assumes that pain is 'bad' and alleviating pain is 'good'. After all, most spiritual giants (Ghandi, Christ, Buddha, Mohammed) dedicated their lives to helping others and thus relieving their suffering (whether physical or emotional). 

To kill an animal is morally acceptable when done with respect and love for the animal's wellbeing, morally neutral when done accidentally (e.g. car accident) and morally reprehensible when pleasure is derived from the act (i.e. cruelty).

It is not the intention that makes something morally good or bad but the emotional state of the person(s) involved in the act of euthanasia. For example, if a veterinarian has attempted to treat a sick animal and finds that the animal's health is deteriorating, it is his/her knowledge of the likely outcome (death) that allows him/her the moral certitude that a quick death is better than a protracted and painful one. A veterinarian must always accept some responsibility for an animal's death, regardless of the extent of suffering by the animal under his/her care. Thus it is that most vets never lightly consider euthanasia and those who give an animal's death little regard must invariably develop an emotional callousness that impacts on others aspects of their life.

If in doubt as to whether or not to euthanase, it better to give more pain relief and await more obvious clinical signs that suggest death is inevitable. 

Some thoughts by respected authors

1) Lama Zopa Rinpoche on 'Buddhism, Euthanasia and Compassion'

'Many people see euthanasia as a compassionate act that ends the suffering of a dying person. However, performing euthanasia with a good motivation is not sufficient because we need to help others with wisdom as well as compassion. If the person will have more peace and happiness in their next life, our action is good. On the other hand, even though our action may stop the person's present suffering, it could result in their being reborn in a realm where their suffering will be a million times worse. My concern is more for the outcome in the person's next life. If they are going to reincarnate in a hell realm, for example, it is better to keep them alive one day or even one hour longer. Since we don't have the clairvoyance to see where the person will be reborn, we have to rely upon the wisdom of fully awakened beings who have omniscience, compassion for all living beings and the perfect power to guide us. However, in the case of someone who is going to stay in a coma for many years, rather than spending thousands of dollars keeping them alive, support could be withdrawn and the money used to purify the negative karma which would cause them to suffer in future lives. It would be better to spend the money to benefit many people then dedicate the positive energy created, not only to the temporary happiness of that person, but to their liberation from all suffering and achievement of enlightenment. Giving the money to a good cause is the best thing to do. It can be done on behalf of a family member, a friend or even an enemy and can help to relieve feelings of guilt. Whether the person is still alive or has already died, it is best to purify their negative karma and this help can come from family members and friends. Helping others with wisdom and compassion in this way brings meaning to having met, known and lived with them.'

2) Interview with Drs Sheldon Rubin and Allen Schoen on euthanasia and animal

    'It all depends on the intent. If it's to relieve suffering, it's not unreasonable. However, there are those who say that the animal's karma is to go to the end.'

3) 'Death, dying and euthanasia' by James Hughes and Damien Keown