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Euthanasia: Is It Right or Wrong?

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Submitted By emrose89
Words 1944
Pages 8
Emily Yapp
Ms. Jones
English 3A
11/22/2013
Euthanasia: Is it Right or Wrong?
There are many topics that are passionately debated in our country. Abortion, capital punishment, and gay marriage are among the few that seem to be at the center of many news broadcast and political debates. However, one that seems is not on the front position would be Euthanasia, or Physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Currently, only four states have legalized PAS: Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. These states have strict guidelines one must follow in order to end their life with the help of a physician. They include eligibility requirements, physician protocols, and timelines that must be followed. Support for such a practice varies from person to person. Political and religious factors certainly play a role in the way people view euthanasia. Euthanasia should be the patient's choice. The word Euthanasia stems from a Greek word that can be translated "a good death." Euthanasia can be classified into two different categories, active and passive (The Free Dictionary)( Types of Euthanasia). Passive euthanasia is when a patient does not receive life sustaining treatments, such as medications, tube feedings or mechanical ventilation, that result in the patient's death. Passive euthanasia is legal in all states in the form of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. Patients are also legally allowed to refuse any types of treatment or therapy they would like, even if it results in their death. This practice is generally approved of in our society. Active euthanasia, which is much more controversial, is when a physician intervenes on behalf of the patient with the intent of ending their life. Active and passive euthanasia can then be split into multiple categories. First, there is voluntary euthanasia. This is euthanasia with the consent of the patient. The patient would request in some

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