Abstract

It is a universal truth that the sanctity of life is globally held in very high esteem. This fact accords with the notion that life is a natural right which the law has always protected. It is also incontrovertible that terminal sickness of a loved one can be distressing, especially where the sick person is not only suffering but depends entirely on other individuals to do everything. This is where the issue of euthanasia has become a topical subject. It has therefore been proposed that, it is good to take the life of such a terminally sick fellow out of mercy for him or her to ease his or her pain, thus he or she is said to die a dignified death. This scholarship appraises the concept of euthanasia. The paper argues that euthanasia is not the best option when one has distressing illness or approaching the end of life, particularly in a country like Nigeria where the culture of love is the bond that binds families together. It recommends inter alia the use of palliative care for terminally sick persons, and sometimes the aged, physically challenged and other vulnerable persons in the society. It further suggests that euthanasia be made a criminal offence in Nigeria in order not to create an unrestrained opportunity for people to demean the value of human life, and to ward off abuses that may erode virtues of love, trust and unity.