Question

Tracy Latimer was born November 23, 1980. An interruption in Tracy's supply of oxygen during birth caused cerebral palsy; severe mental and physical disabilities; and violent seizures, which were controlled with seizure medication. She had little or no voluntary control of her muscles, wore diapers, and could not walk or talk. In addition Latimer was in constant pain with almost every movement. During this time, her family provided her excellent care, and she underwent several surgeries, including surgeries to lengthen tendons, release muscles, and correct scoliosis in which rods were inserted into her back. However, Latimer still suffered constant pain. On October 24, 1993, Latimer's mother found her dead while in the care of her father. After autopsy results showed Latimer died of carbon monoxide poisoning, her father confessed that he had killed her by placing her in his truck and connecting a hose from the truck's exhaust pipe to the cab. He said he did it out of love and compassion and not wanting to see his daughter in constant pain and having to endure multiple surgeries. Latimer's father was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for 10 years. Does this meet the conditions of euthanasia because Latimer was unable to consent? Was the conviction and sentence of Latimer's father appropriate?

Answer 1

Tracy Latimer lived with physical and mental difficulties and not in a state to give full consent. Mercy killing of people unable to give right of consent results in violence and discrimination. In Euthanasia, the person has to take a strong decision in dying and it has been done for the benefit of the person. In this case, Tracy has not in the state of showing the right to die, but also she was not able to oppose her father for killing her. She is unable to speak and express her opinions. Committing murder on her is unacceptable and dangerous. It will not accept as mercy killing.

Mr.Latimer's action viewed as murder. His words show that he motivated himself by naming his action as mercy killing. The way he approached with Tracy is violence and the prosecute also disapproves of it. It is clear that he had no love and affection for her child. Right to die movement also against Mr.Latimer and he uses the word euthanasia to safeguard him. He believed that his abusive behavior could be justified.