Euthanasia: Right (to Die) or Wrong?
             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)
             Despite the fact that it is not a crime in Germany and Switzerland, active euthanasia and assisted suicide remain illegal in most parts of the United States. Suicide itself is not a crime. (Originally, the person's possessions were property of the government if their life ended in suicide.) The assistance, whether it is active, or simply the distribution of drugs that will end one's life, could send a person to jail for 14 years. Laws are strict concerning this issue because the government feels that a person wishing death upon themselves is not stable, therefore its is not considered a legitament decision. (www.rights.org) Many surveys have been given to the public, in quest of a respons...