%0 Journal Article
%T Euthanasia – a crime or a human right to choose death?
%A Ozorowski, Mieczysław
%J Sympozjum
%V 2021 - Volume XXV
%R 10.4467/25443283SYM.21.021.14701
%N Issue 2 (41)
%P 103-117
%K euthanasia, arguments for euthanasia, the Church’s teaching on euthanasia
%@ 2543-5442
%D 2021
%U https://ejournals.eu/en/journal/sympozjum/article/eutanazja-zbrodnia-czy-cywilne-prawo-czlowieka-do-wyboru-smierci
%X 
	The contemporary phenomenon of euthanasia is very extensive and very complex. It is a manifestation of the „culture of death”, as evidenced by common practices in many countries and attempts to legalize it. In Poland, although euthanasia is forbidden and punished, a significant part of the society approves of its introduction. At the same time, the common awareness that it is a crime and a crime is fading away (EV 66). The most important motive of euthanasia, meaningless suffering, can only be understood, accepted and defeated in the light of faith. Moreover, the request to shorten the life is not always motivated by unbearable suffering. It often comes from feelings of loneliness, lack of interest and compassion, and proper care. So, asking for euthanasia is a desperate cry for help and love. Rather than cut corners, it would be better to increase the involvement of family, friends and physicians in palliative care, which could remove the causes of such a radical decision as asking to die. Public acceptance of euthanasia can seriously reduce the costs of palliative care, both financially and scientifically. The recipe for this phenomenon is rather the educational effort of society, which should accept the phenomenon of disease, aging and death, so that in families and society there should be a dignified place reserved for sick, disabled, old and dying people.