There are three types of euthanasia; voluntary active euthanasia, passive euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. In all cases where euthanasia is used the patient must be suffering from an incurable, fatal disease. Voluntary active euthanasia is a "deliberate intervention" by an individual other than the patient, with the pure intention of termination that patient's life. (Gula, 501) Passive euthanasia takes place when the attending phy

According to the Catholic religion, euthanasia, as well as abortion and contraception, are sins against God and the Church. Pope John Paul Ii wrote and encyclical letter that was issued at the Vatican in March 1995. Pope John Paul II shared his views on the topics of euthanasia, contraception and abortion in this very opinionated statement. The Catholic Church feels that it is wrong for people to believe that they can control the beginning and end of their lives. According to the Church , "the temptation becomes all the greater to resolve the problem of suffering by eliminating it at the root, by hastening death so that it occurs at the moment considered most suitable. (Population and Development Review, 691). The Church also holds the belief that there is value to suffering and we, as human beings, should realize that suffering is a very important part of our religious life. Also, we, as Christians, should remember that beyond this life there remains the triumph of heaven. But these dogmas do not take away the pain and suffering related to a fatal illness nor do they make the pain any less real or manageable.

In 1994, Oregon passed its Death with Dignity Act, becoming the first state in the country to legalize euthanasia. In June 1997, the Supreme Court ruled that physician assisted suicide is not a constitutional right but made each state free to determine its own euthanasia laws within its boundaries. The legal issue is a very sensitive topic. Many anti-euthanasia supporters feel that if euthanasia is made legal in each state, the value of human life will disintegrate. The feel that society will call for the mercy killing of those considered to be a burden on the human race such as those with mental retardation or incurable diseases, as well as those who are dying or are unable able to pay for medical care. Pro- euthanasia supporters disagree. They feel that by making euthanasia legal, people would be more in charge of the end of their lives, the quality of their lives as well as their dignity.

Personally, I believe that euthanasia should be based on an individual decision. Not everyone feels that it is the best possible solution but I believe that if you are suffering from a fatal incurable disease, there is no reason why euthanasia is wrong.

On the medical front, there is always the question of ethics and morals for the physicians involved in euthanasia. Is it ethical to take a person's life even if they have repeatedly asked you to do so? A doctor has taken the Hippocratic Oath and has sworn to work to his best ability for the good of the patient. The question is, is the good of the

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