An issue of great controversy boomed in the United States approximately ten years ago. Doctor-assisted suicide was brought to the attention of Americans in the mid-1980s, but did not become the issue it is today until the nineties. The question of whether to "live the remainder of one"s life in pain or die with dignity," became apparent. The idea that physicians could prescribe medication to terminally ill patients to end their suffering for good by putting them to rest was presented. This idea struck some Americans as opportunity for relief, and others as an appalling violation of morals.and the controversy began.

             Doctor-assisted suicide has repeatedly shown up on ballots across the country for the past ten years. However, because of the complexity of the issue a consistent decision has not been reached or followed for any length of time. Doctor-assisted suicide is not as simple as one may think. It is not just a physician prescribing pills to any unhappy, ordinary Joe. There are general guidelines to the process. The guidelines may differ from state to state, but the main ideas are the same. Major guidelines are: The patient must be terminally ill, which can be defined as having no more than six months to live; At least two independent physicians must agree on the diagnosis and prognosis of the patient; There must be a mental health examination that proves the patient to be mentally stable; and Civil and criminal immunities are provided to any parties assisting the patient, as long as all rules are followed.

             Doctor-assisted suicide can be viewed many different ways. There is a moral issue involved. People are always taught that killing is wrong and classify doctor assisted suicide as killing. To counter that, others see doctor assisted suicide as relief. A way to be set free from all pain that not even morphine can dull. There is also the view of the healthcare profession.