As we enter the twenty-first century more people than ever are living into there eighties, nineties and even past one-hundred years old. This means that quality of living is going to be more important than ever before. Just because someone is able to live to a certain age does not necessarily mean that they are going to live a life that they consider enjoyable. What is someone to do when they are diagnosed with a terminal illness that will leave them in intolerable pain and discomfort for the duration of their lives? This is a question that no one wants to think about until it happens to him or her, but at some point this problem must be confronted. Many of today's elderly have been stricken with painful terminal illnesses that leave them helplessly dependent on heavy doses of medication as well as the assistance of a physician. When a terminally ill patients life is no longer remotely enjoyable or even possible without the aid of outside forces, it should be possible for him or her to end their life with dignity. .
Euthanasia is a broad term for physician assisted suicide-taking the life of a hopelessly ill or injured individual in order to end his or her suffering, it represents a serious ethical dilemma. The subject is so controversial because it pits the plight of suffering, dying, individuals against religious beliefs, legal tradition, and in the case of physician assisted suicide, medicinal ethics. Death itself is not a choice, but it's timing sometimes is or could be. For individuals who conclude that they do not wish to endure the suffering and the costs associated with prolonged dying, physician assisted suicide offers an answer. It appears to provide individuals the chance to prevent suffering and maintain control over what once seemed uncontrollable. .
Weiss 2.
On April 15, 1975, Karen Ann Quinlin, who was then 21 years old, was taken ill. She had difficulty breathing and friends had to summon a rescue squad.