One of the biggest controversies of this decade is euthanasia. The word euthanasia is derived from two classical Greek words, eu meaning "good" and "thanatos", meaning "death"; thus the term literally means "good death." Euthanasia is inducing the painless death of a person for reasons assumed to be merciful. Hence the term "mercy killing." Euthanasia can be traced as far back as to the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. It was sometimes allowed in these civilizations to help others die. Voluntary euthanasia was approved in these ancient societies. As time passed, religion increased, and life was viewed to be sacred. Before too long euthanasia in any form was seen as wrong.
             There are four types of euthanasia voluntary and direct, voluntary but indirect, direct but involuntary, and indirect and involuntary. Voluntary and direct euthanasia is "chosen and carried out by the patient. Voluntary but indirect euthanasia is chosen in advance. Direct but involuntary euthanasia is done for the patient without his or her request. Indirect and involuntary euthanasia occurs when a hospital decides that it is time to remove life support.
             The medical methods and effects have a large impact on how people view euthanasia. Euthanasia can be performed by lethal injection, gas, the removal of life support equipment, the withholding of food and fluids, and the removal of necessary medicines. It is legal to turn off a patient's life support when the higher centers of the brain stop working. Patients are allowed to choose passive euthanasia but cannot choose active euthanasia. Passive euthanasia is when nothing is done to prevent death. Active euthanasia is when one deliberately causes death (Gary P. Stewart et al.; p.23). One of the main forms of euthanasia is the process of withholding foods and fluids. Many see this as cruelty due to its effects on the patient. It causes nausea, vomiting, heart problems, depression, dry skin, and shortness in br...