Euthanasia.

May 31, 2010
Euthanasia.
They suspect that the veterinarian suicide rate is higher than that of other professions due to our constant exposure to euthanasia. Without a doubt- the profession makes you contemplate the quality of life and our duty to protect such more than the average person. For the American student, speaking about euthanasia as it applies in the animal world and the debate in the human health field is socially acceptable among peers and otherwise. However, to speak about Euthanasia in a country that is plagued with a history of the “ultimate human euthanasia experiment” results in a sincere and regretful silence. As an American, I instantly felt deep shame having brought up the subject. It makes me ponder how professional schools such as Veterinary or Human Health talk about such ethics. What is even more intriguing is the fact that Germany’s next door neighbors are pro Human-euthanasia. I spoke with my host in Hannover about the subject and found out that until the last decade taking people off life-support was considered murder rather they wanted it or not. It is a very “North American” view that says we have the right to choose to life and death – depending upon the “quality of life.” And perhaps, this “freedom” has been taken too far: For I am disturbed by pet owners who want to kill their healthy, happy animals- but it happens in animal clinics all over the U.S. - simply because the pets inconvenience of the life of the owner. What does this say about the North American’s view of life? Is life held as sacred when compared to those who have experienced extreme loss, such as those in Germany? For the veterinarian, I hope that we make decisions wisely out of the deep respect we hold for the animal’s quality of life- but also that we function with an even greater respect and value for the human life. There are certainly circumstances when it is time to let go, but may we never be hardened by the profession to make these decisions recklessly.