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Euthanasia has been, and always will be, a controversial moral and ethical subject. While the majority of both Americans and Canadians seem to support euthanasia as indicated by the latest polls, it is still illegal in both countries. I think it is important to first distinguish between passive euthanasia and active euthanasia. Passive euthanasia is the stopping or not starting some treatment which allows a person to die. Active euthanasia, the more controversial of the two, is doing something such as administering a lethal drug or using other means that cause a person's death. My main focus will be on active euthanasia. A prime example of active euthanasia is the Robert Latimer case. Latimer was given a life sentence with no chance of parole for ten years after being convicted of second degree murder in the "mercy killing" of his severely disabled daughter. I will discuss reasons why some people support euthanasia, why others oppose it, and then offer my own opinion.



People who support euthanasia believe that terminally ill patients have the right to die with respect and dignity. They believe it is the only humane, merciful choice for those "living to die". Euthanasia for them would provide freedom from the guilt of being a burden to caregivers. From the caregivers perspective it is also the only humane choice. Many of them see it as the ultimate act of love because of the consequences of that action. Supporters of euthanasia also argue that extending the life of a terminally ill patient by artificial means is unethical. That is, doctors are “playing God” when they resist the natural progression of a fatal disease when there is no cure or hope of one. In addition, they argue that current medications for pain and palliative care for the dying are inadequate.



Arguments against euthanasia are many. The most controversial, of course, is the religious belief that life is sacred and...