Euthanasia is a Greek term meaning "good death." It is defined as the act of killing someone painlessly. Euthanasia is also known as mercy killing, and has become one of the most important public policy debates in the United States today. Mercy killing is now legal in only three locations worldwide, and surprisingly one of these locations is in the continental United States. The three locations are Oregon, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Euthanasia is a very debatable issue, and has strong arguments on both sides of the spectrum.
On the pro side, many people argue that modern medicine is keeping people alive who would have died in the past. They argue that it is unnatural and cruel to make patients who have already been handed their fate to wither away and die, while being kept alive only with the help of a life support machine. Health care costs can also play a huge part in patients desiring euthanasia. These costs are on the rise, and many terminally ill patients do not want to burden their loved ones with thousands of dollars in medical costs. This burden becomes even greater when the expenses will lead only to the death of the patient. Many believe that legal euthanasia would allow patients to die peacefully while surrounded by their family and friends. But above all, the strongest argument is surrounding the power of choice. If a patient desires to die, who is to tell him or her that death is not an option? Many believe that the government should not have that power.
On the con side, however, many argue that pain is controllable. Modern medicine has the power to control pain. Many argue that a person who wants to die in order to avoid pain does not need assisted suicide, but rather a doctor better trained to alleviate pain. Killing has been viewed to be immoral since the beginning of time. However you put it Euthanasia is murder. No human being should be able to take the life of another, even if they have permission, there is no coming back from death.
