Pro Euthanasia Research Paper

Euthanasia: the practice of ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering (“Medical,” 2016). Also called mercy killing, euthanasia has been a hot debate for the last couple of decades on whether the intentional killing of a terminally ill or handicapped person is to be legal or illegal. However, since the topic first came up, only six states have legalized physician-assisted suicide in which a person only has six months or less to live. So why is it that we do not allow patients in pain with only months or week to live, to end their life painlessly and safely? Euthanasia should be legalized to ensure that each hopelessly ill person can have control over their life and their right to die.

Sue Rodriguez was a 30 year old mother who suffered

Soon, “Right to Die” supports emerged, campaigning for those who want to end their lives legally.The supporters also spread information about the three different types of euthanasia. The different types are called passive euthanasia, active euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide. The top two most controversial type are active euthanasia, which is intentionally killing someone; and physician-assisted suicide, which is voluntarily prescribing the means for somebody to kill him or herself (“Euthanasia,” n.d.). Furthermore, all three types are usually used with terminally ill or patients who are brain dead; however, one of the three types is used for a different reason. A form of active euthanasia, called state-assisted suicide, is commonly used and seen to be more “appropriate” than physician-assisted

Hospice has been able to provide support and relief for patients in pain, making them as comfortable as possible. One of the many workers who help the dying are called palliative care workers. Palliative care, as defined by the National Association of Social Workers (2010), is the “seeking to prevent or relieve pain—which can be physical, psychosocial, or spiritual—and other symptoms associated with serious illness. Although hospice facilities are strongly opposed to euthanasia, Dr. Dee Grott gave her own view on the controversial topic. She stated, “as a physician there are two questions to consider,” she said. “Do I think patients have a right to choice? Yes. But do I personally feel I have the right to take another’s life. No. It’s not for me to decide when you’ll die.” However, she will not try to revive a dying patient who has overdosed or in cardiac arrest unless they request it before hand. “We shouldn’t prolong life at any cost, for most of our patients, it’s medically futile since they are already so close to death (Hunter, 2002, p.