Euthanasia

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EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia--what does this word mean? It comes from the Greek words "eu" and "thantos" which translate to "good death" ("Euthanasia World Directory," www.efn.org/~ergo/). Though this is the very literal meaning, it has become a more complex concept in our current society. Assisted suicide, self-deliverance, auto euthanasia, aid-in-dying are all terms that deal with the choice of achieving a good death; the choice of deciding for oneself when it is time to escape unimaginable pain and have the chance to die with the dignity we all deserve.

According to the Euthanasia Research & Guidance Organization (ERGO!) there are two main forms of suicide ("Euthanasia Research & Guidance Organization," www.finalexit.org). One is "emotional suicide," which is defined as an irrational self-murder in all of its sadness. While most common, this form of suicide has no practical purpose. The second form is "justifiable suicide," or planned self-deliverance from a painful and hopeless disease which will shortly end in death ("Euthanasia Research & Guidance Organization," www.finalexit.org). Though still considered "suicide" this form has practical purpose and, therefore, should be looked upon in an entirely different context.

One problem society has with assisted suicide is that it is still suicide. A person is ending their life prematurely for some reason. Often with regular suicide this reason is an emotional response to something such as the death of a loved one or unemployment. Society feels that these are also reasons people engage in assisted suicide. This concept is totally false.

Assisted suicide is used only in two specific cases. One is if the person has an advanced terminal illness that is causing unbearable suffering to th...

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...ce the existence of laws. Throughout the past century, many individuals and groups have tried to legalize such action but were always confronted with a cry of, "That's immoral and always has been!" In our current society, one of new and open viewpoints, shouldn't we allow people the right to die? Since suicide by one's own hand, truly a death of vulgar means, is legal, why should a much more peaceful and sensible form be outlawed? People seeking euthanasia have experienced pain unimaginable to the common human. They have fought and struggled but unfortunately have lost. Shouldn't they be allowed to die a "good death" with the dignity they deserve? The United States of America was founded on the principles of freedom. Our laws regarding euthanasia should enable people to exercise these basic fundamentals by allowing them the freedom of this most important final choice.

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