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Persuasive Essay On Euthanasia

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Euthanasia is defined as, “the practice of intentionally ending a life to alleviate pain and suffering” without legal consequence (“Euthanasia”, p.1). Euthanasia is a Greek word meaning “good death” and it is also known as physician assisted suicide or mercy killing. This topic has been a controversial topic of debate all over the world, and there is even controversy among doctors. There was a survey conducted in the United States on physicians’ opinions about euthanasia, which indicated that fifty-four percent concur that it should be allowed, and forty-six percent oppose it. Currently in the United States it is only legal in six states: California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, Montana and Washington. This means forty-four states do not allow patients the right to choose their own death. The focus of this paper is on the controversy over euthanasia, the physician assisted suicide of patients who have been diagnosed terminally ill and have asked to die rather than live in pain. Euthanasia is beneficial in many aspects, and therefore this method to achieving a “good death” should be open to any patient that is suffering with a terminal illness. It is beneficial because it gives patients the right to choose, it is properly regulated, it protects self-hood and human dignity, and it relieves pain and suffering.
The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with

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