Webster's Dictionary defines euthanasia as the act of causing death painlessly, so as to end suffering. Euthanasia, or physician assisted suicide, is one of the most controversial issues we face today. Like many other touchy topics, euthanasia cannot simply be looked upon as either "right" or "wrong," it has a large grey area surrounded by many questions and concerns. Taking this into consideration, the subject receives such little attention that it is almost disturbing. It seems that the general population, who have made generalized opinions on it, know too little about the subject, and those that are knowledgeable about the topic aren't taking any action one way or the other. The fears around how the legalization of euthanasia would lead to abuse are very much an issue of concern, as well as its possible conflict with moral ideals, but this should not prevent further exploration of legalizing it.
There are two types of euthanasia, active and passive. Passive euthanasia is much more openly accepted, and even, to an extent, practiced. "The traditional distinction between active and passive euthanasia requires critical analysis. The conventional doctrine is that there is such an important moral difference between the two that, although the latter is sometimes permissible, the former is always forbidden" (Rachels 241). Passive euthanasia can be defined as withholding heroic measurements, such as life-support systems, to a patient who is not yet certifiably brain dead, but .
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maintaining basically no quality of life. Active euthanasia, the scarier and more controversial of the two, could be defined as literally pulling the plug on someone's life when they are terminally ill and suffering, such as administering a lethal injection. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal only in the Netherlands, and Belgium. Assisted suicide is legal in the United States, but only in the state of Oregon.
