By definition, euthanasia means "good death", originated from the Greek-"eu", meaning good and "thantos", meaning death. It is generally defined as a method of causing a painless death to end suffering. There are three types of practices that are involved with euthanasia. The first one is voluntary, "active" euthanasia, where the person asks to be killed. This involves painlessly putting individuals to death for merciful reasons, as when a doctor administers a lethal dose of medication to a patient. The second practice that is involved with euthanasia is involuntary. This concerns the killing of persons who cannot express their wishes, because of immaturity (i.e. a newborn infant), mental retardation or coma. Here is it decided by others that that person would be better off dead. The third practice is passive euthanasia, where withdrawing some kind of medical support kills the patient and lets nature takes its course. For example this would include removing life support or stopping medical procedures which are unwanted. .
The Controversy of Euthanasia.
Euthanasia has been a topic of controversy within many societies, for some amount of time. In ancient Greece and Rome euthanasia was tolerated as long as the person received official permission and was logical. In fact the Greek magistrates kept supplies of poison for anyone who wish to die (Humphry). During the Renaissance, most enlightened people didn't view it as wrong, but they met resistance from Catholic and Protestant Churches who condemned any form of suicide as a sin (Humphry). In modern time, the topic of euthanasia has turned into a very heated debate. By addressing the issues of refusing prolonging life medically, assisting suicide, or active euthanasia, we eventually confront our own society's fears toward death itself. Above others, our American culture breeds fear and dread of aging and dying into its people. It is not easy for most citizens of our western society to see death as an inevitable part of life.