In order to understand the great amount of controversy behind the topic, one must first realize its history. Over the past few decades, America has witnessed a strange and keen shift in society's view of life. In the 1960s the shift began as some states began legalizing abortion. In the 1970s, the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade put the federal government's stamp

of approval on abortion nationwide. Today, the value of life is being obscured at the other end of the spectrum as the courts grant the elderly and sick the so-called "right to die." The right to die theory states that when someone is ready to go, they should be allowed the right to do so.

If you've read my this research paper and learned even one thing you did not know about Euthanasia, and are interested in finding out more, I encourage you to check out the book, and websites that I have mentioned. Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia will be debated for years and years to come. After seeing the deep-rooted arguments that both sides have put forth, I don't see either side cracking. I believe I've made it quite clear where I stand on the issue. I unlike most of the majority of our society, am very pro Euthanasia, but then I am very pro-choice, so I guess this should come as no surprise. Euthanasia is fundamentally an issue of morals and ethics, and issues of morals and ethics are very seldomly ironed out, just ask those who've done research on abortions, or capitol punishment. Assisted suicide was debated long before I started to research the topic, and will be debated long after I turn the final copy of this paper in. My only hope is that one day all people may realize how morally wrong and inhumane it is to do what they consider so morally right.

http://www.rights.org/deathnet/Kfiles_details.html, Kevorkian Files, 1998

Walter Helwig, a pro-Eutnasia activist is one who has hurt the fight more than anyone. He often makes statements that are nothing more than fodder for pro-life enthusiasts. He makes it sound as though all elderly people should be killed off, and everyone who costs hospitals much money to keep alive should also be forced to go. Unfortunately people don't understand that not everyone who advocates Euthanasia is like this man. Infact, most are NOTHING like him. It's important to comprehend that.

While abortion and assisted suicide are two different things, many people opposing euthanasia point to the legalization of abortion as the beginning of "society's downfall" as Nat Hentoff said in the book "Euthanasia" a part of the Opposing ViewPoints series. Other opposers like the late Dr. Leo Alexander who is also quoted by Hentoff said "It is much like Germany in the late 20's and 30's. The barriers against killing are coming down." In my opinion, Dr. Alexander was taking it a bit far, no one is saying go out and kill everybody you don't like. Nobody is saying go out and kill all the senior citizens. Nor is anyone saying, "Save America money! Kill the ones who cost us!" That's not it at all. What pro-Euthanasia people mostly want is for the suffering of family, friends, and individual people or victims as the case may be to come to an end, as quickly and painlessly (for all parties) as possible

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 3424
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page double spaced)