The dictionary's printed definition of euthanasia is the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. At the same time, assisted suicide happens if the person who dies performs the last act; such as swallowing an overdose of drugs that has been provided by a doctor for the purpose of causing death. Basically, it is murder. These acts should be outlawed everywhere in the world and any doctor or authorized physician who commits either one should be arrested and incarcerated, or at least have his license taken away.
Statistics estimate that 1,000 to 7,000 individuals are put to death by euthanasia annually in the Netherlands, which is one of the few places where euthanasia is legal. Most people ask for euthanasia because the doctors do not have the materials and equipment to ease pain and suffering a patient has. Antibiotics, immunizations, modern surgery and many of today's routine therapies or medications are most likely what doctors lack. So what obviously needs to be done is to make appropriate and effective care and training more widely available. Outlawing euthanasia does not mean forcing a patient to remain alive. The law permits patients or their surrogates to withhold or withdraw unwanted medical treatment even if that increases the likelihood that the patient will die, which means neither the law nor medical ethics requires that everything be done to keep a person alive. In most cases of a terminal illness, there comes a time when continued attempts to cure are not compassionate, wise, or medically sound. Because of this, some will say that without euthanasia or assisted suicide, people will be forced to endure excruciating pain. However, they fail to recognize that virtually all pain can be eliminated or it can be reduced significantly if proper treatment is provided. Efforts should be directed to making the patient's remaining time comfortable.