The social policy argument reflects a form of "new realism" that has been invoked successfully in discussions. The basis of this argument is that euthanasia prohibition forces people to commit acts of euthanasia or assisted suicide in appalling conditions akin to those of back-street abortions. It could be expressed this way; euthanasia is prohibited, the prohibition forces people to commit "backstreet" acts of euthanasia, therefore the prohibition should be abolished. Because euthanasia is actually practised, it should be legalized so that control can be exercised on the manner by which people are put to death. This "re

Is everything then going smoothly under the Canadian system? Clearly not. "Back-street killings" are a concern. The suffering of patients is not helped by locking up the physicians and relatives who assist them in dying. Laws cannot predict all possible situations, but they should not treat all killings alike. It should be possible to be more lenient toward those who act in despair or out of mercy. However, this does not mean that we should give legal approval to killing. When we refuse to collaborate in suicide, we must, though, reassure people that they are not a burden to us and that we will relieve their suffering. It implies appropriate pain relief, palliative care, and adequate support of relatives and friends. This should not be forgotten when decisions about the future of health care are made.

alistic" approach is not new. It has been a key element in the campaign to control the spread of HIV/AIDS. Lifting many of the taboos on sexuality was necessary to inform people about how they could prevent transmission of the virus. Needle-exchange programs and the distribution of bleach are also clear acknowledgements of previously hidden practises. Against those who opposed bleach and needle distribution, it was argued that the advantages of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS outweigh any objection to drug use. As an ethical argument, it is not solid. It is a well-established ethical principle that the end does not justify the means. Although avoiding back-street acts of euthanasia is a valuable goal, it is dangerous to argue that euthanasia should be legalized. Needle distribution can be justified, but not just because its goal is valuable. It is more justifiable than allowing euthanasia, because using drugs is not the same as killing a person, or asking other for assistance in suicide. For example, the suffering and death of young girls during back-street surgical removals of the clitoris is not a reason to legalise the practice and allow physicians to perform it in "ideal circumstances." A practice can be unacceptable, independent of its goal. This can be due to the revolting character of the act, but can also be due to the social consequences of legalization.

Is it true that the euthanasia prohibition is the cause of back-street killings? Euthanasia is necessary, it is claimed, because many patients are in agony and pain and are forced into life-prolonging treatments. However, people are not forced to undergo treatment. It is perfectly legitimate in Canada to refuse treatment even if this clearly hastens death. It is also legitimate to refuse food and liquids. Euthanasia is not the only method of relieving pain; adequate relief is possible for most patients, i

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1812
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)