If I were terminally ill, would I want to be euthanized so that I would not suffer anymore? In a couple of states our country, including Oregon and Washington it is legal to die through euthanasia also known as assisted suicide. Oregon was the first state to pass this type of law, commonly known as the Death with Dignity Act. This is a debatable topic because there is several pros and cons to both, which are either pro life or pro choice. It is a topic the average American should know about because they may know someone who might be in that predicament within their lifespan. I was torn between which side of the argument I would choose because I believe that both sides have valid points, but I believe more states should adopt this law. I choose this topic because I want to learn more about it, there are many of counter arguments, and it will make an interesting research paper.
Oregon's Death with Dignity act legalized physician assisted dying with restrictions in 1994; it was the first measure of its kind to be approved in the United States. As of now Oregon and Washington are the only two states that have such legislation. There are movements and petitions in several States including California. Other countries have made it legal to be euthanized. For example, Belgium even made it legal for children to go through the process last year. I was torn on the subject matter because I was raised knowing that suicide is a crime and a very selfish thing to do. In the long run it would hurt the people left behind because they would deal with the grief and pain; however, I now believe there are certain circumstances when euthanasia would be more beneficial. I definitely have more research to do. I need to learn more about the process taken through this law. I need to find scholarly arguments and counterarguments about the subject and not just my personal belief or status on the matter. I also need to learn how the law from Oregon differs from any others worldwide especially in Belgium.
