asia 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, including those in the terminal phase of illness. However terrible the idea of starving to death might be, those who choose to refuse food and liquids can be kept comfortable without major problems. For the approximately five percent of patients who d
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