There is no denying the controversy associated with the topic of euthanasia. There are many opinions allied with the right to end one's life if they are suffering. Some groups feel that it should be illegal, others feel it should be legalized. Regardless of opinion, the question remains: Should a person be given the option to request assistance in dying? (www.relgioustolerance.org)

Euthanasia comes from a Greek term "good death". However, the word has gained a much more complicated meaning in the recent times. Euthanasia is a rationally, considered plan to end a life because of pain and suffering due to a terminal illness. (www.rights.org) Euthanasia is often confused with assisted suicide, a similar event with a much different meaning. Assisted suicide consists of a person administering a drug in order to help another in committing suicide. There are two kinds of euthanasia. Passive euthanasia occurs when a person is in a persistent vegetative state (massive brain injury resulting in a coma and will not likely recover). Life support would be removed, or all medical procedures would be stopped. In active euthanasia, death is caused through a direct action. (www.relgioustolerance.org)

Most people who support the Right to Die movement believe that ending one's life should not necessarily be a choice for everyone, only for people who are truly suffering. If a person is slowly deteriorating and they feel that the pain is too unbearable, some people feel that they should be able to end life if they choose. Still, functionalists say that the issue should have perimeters. It should only be a solution to mature adults, who have thoroughly thought over the decision, and have already put a fight in saving their life. (www.rights.org)

Obviously, there are non-religious reasons why some people feel euthanasia should remain illegal. One popular belief is that it is unnecessary because there are alternate treatments available to end or ease symptoms. The solution to this would be to make care more widely available. (www.cmf.org) Some believe that many people wishing to end their life will change their minds, and euthanasia will kill them before the can rethink their decision. In suicides, less than 4% actually kill themselves. Many decisions are based on depression, not pain, and depression is curable. (www.euthanasia.com) Yet, the strongest opinion does not necessarily concern the patient, but instead, the doctor. Too much power is given to doctors of they are given the right to end a life. A doctor gives the information that could result in euthanasia, and the procedure, if legal, would be done by a doctor. Consequently, physicians then hold the power of persuasion and may unconsciously bias an individual's opinion. (www.cmf.org)

- make two oral requests for assistance in dying

- must convince two physicians that she/he is sincere, is not takin

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Approximate Word count = 1125
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)