The term Euthanasia has become well known throughout the country. The word is derived from ancient Greek eu thantos, meaning "good death." Today, euthanasia is referred to as "mercy killing" or assisted suicide. There is much controversy over whether or not the practice is just. Euthanasia raises many religious, medical, and moral issues. Euthanasia can either be active or passive. Active euthanasia occurs when a physician or other medical personnel induces death. An overdose is administered to the patients in the form of insulin, barbiturates, or morphine, and then followed by an injection of curare. Passive euthanasia, on the other hand, is allowing the patient to die due to lack of treatment. This includes taking the patient off their support system, or respirator. Passive euthanasia also includes stopping the food supply intravenously to comatose patients (Compton's, 1). Certain forms of euthanasia have been legally accepted. In general, laws attempt to draw a line between passive euthanasia and active euthanasia. While laws commonly permit passive euthanasia, active euthanasia is typically prohibited.
             In today's society there are many disagreements about the rights and wrongs of euthanasia. Although death is unavoidable for human beings, suffering before death is unbearable not only for terminal patients but for the family members and friends. Someday we will all die, although we do not know when or how. In my opinion, for arguments sake, suppose you were told you would die in one of two ways and had to choose between them. First, you could die quietly and without pain by lethal injection. Or secondly, you could choose to die of a disease that caused excruciating pain and reduced your body to a point where it was unrecognizable, while your family helplessly watched. Each dying patient should be free to choose euthanasia or reject it, simply as a matter of personal liberty. I am n...