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Euthanasia is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as “the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way for reason of mercy (Webster’s Dictionary 401). The Hemlock Society defines it as “justifiable suicide, that is rational and planned self-deliverance�. The word euthanasia comes from the Greek- eu, which means good and thanatos death. No matter what your definition, euthanasia is ethical, and physicians should be allowed to assist in it legally (Derek Humphry, 18).

People usually think of ethical as meaning “conforming to accepted professional standards of conduct� (Webster’s Dictionary 398); however, is it ethical to force a person with a terminal illness to suffer when there is no need? No, it is not. But, euthanasia is ethical. Suicide can be justified ethically when and if a terminal illness is causing unbearable suffering and is at an advanced stage. It can also be justified ethically if a horrible physical handicap is so restricting, that even after due consideration and training, it remains an intolerable existence (Wesley J. Smith 55). But, some fine print on the subject does exist. “In order to make the choice ethical you must be a mature adult�, says Derek Humphry, author of 1991 best seller, Final Exit (17). People must consider the decision very wisely. This can not be a hasty act. And last, they should attempt medical treatment and care before a decision is made. If we consider the meaning of ethical to coexist with religion, Christianity, for example, euthanasia is perfectly ethical. God is loving and understanding. God does not want you to suffer, he wants you to be happy and pain free (Humphry 19).

Some people believe euthanasia is unethical. They say life is valuable no matter what your physical, emotional, or mental state. Well, if they were spending thousands of dollars a day...