Critical essay of A Crime of compassion?

Answer 1

Who has the right to take one's life from them? The Supreme Court says that no man shall take the life of another man without punishment. The Bible says, "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13), yet humans are still the only species that kills their own kind. Murder is wrong. Murder is unlawful. But when does taking the pain and suffering away from a dying victim become murder? Barbara Huttman believes that there is a time when living has just gone too far. Her essay "A Crime of Compassion" addresses these points and this very controversial question: When is it lawful and moral to take the life of another person?

Murder is still a crime, and there is a fine line between murder and a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order from a Doctor. The state of Montana tried and convicted Dr. Kavorkian of murder just because he helped sad, tired and suffering patients end all of their pain, by killing them. Is this murder? Maybe, Kavorkian killed suffering victims. He had their permission, but

nonetheless, he ended their life. DNR is different. While I have never had cancer, like "Mac" in the essay, or any other terminal illness for the matter, I can sympathize for the patient and his family. Why should he have to stay alive or suffer? There comes a time when medical technology is just impending in the grand scheme of life. What's wrong with death? What are we so afraid of? Why can't we treat death with a certain amount of humanity, dignity, and decency? Whether the patient believes in an after life or not, death is a part of life. While Barbara was required by hospital guidelines to report all "Code Blues", it is not morally wrong. But, in most states, unless the patient prior to the accident has signed a DNR, you must do whatever it takes to keep them alive. That is not moral, that is legal. But where do you draw the line? Barbara said that "We resuscitated him "52 times in just on month" (294-3).

Answer 2

"A Crime of Compassion" is an essay by Barbara Huttmann that delves into the ethical dilemma of euthanasia. The essay follows the author's experience as a nurse caring for a terminally ill patient who seeks to end her suffering through assisted suicide. Huttmann explores the conflicting emotions of compassion for the patient's suffering and the moral struggle of supporting a decision to end a life. Ultimately, the essay challenges readers to contemplate the complexities and moral implications of an individual's right to die with dignity.