The term Euthanasia has become well known throughout the United States.
Euthanasia is derived from the Greek words “eu” and “thantos”, these words come
together to form the phrase “easy death.” Today, euthanasia is referred to by many names
such as mercy killing, and assisted suicide. There is much controversy over whether or
not the practice is right. Euthanasia raises many religious, legal, medical and ethical
issues. The question of euthanasia being right or wrong is one that most would prefer to
leave alone. However the unique cases of euthanasia bring up the consideration of
legalization. Those for euthanasia feel that government should consider legalizing active
euthanasia because, suffering before death is unbearable not only for terminal patients but
Euthanasia can be either passive or active. Active euthanasia is when a physician
or other medical personnel hastens as suffering patient’s death. To carry out this process
an overdose of drugs is introduced to the patient’s system as a form of insulin,
barbiturates, or morphine. Passive euthanasia allows the patient to die due to lack of
treatment. This includes stopping the food supply and taking the patient off life support
systems. This is also known as ‘pulling the plug’ (Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia).
All cultures have strong prohibitions against killing. However cultures and
religions approve of killing in time of war or in defense against a life-threatening attack.
There are sixty-two verses in the Bible calling for killing as punishment for
approximately thirty various forms of disobeying the commandments (Neils, Section
1-Chapter 7). The Fifth Commandment states simply “Thou shalt not kill.”
“Aid-in-dying is not killing. Killing is doing something to someone against their
will to end their living. Physician aid-in-...