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The Choice For End A Life

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Itza Girgis
Dr. A. Imbarus
English 1A
8 December 2014
The Choice to End a Life
Euthanasia by definition refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. Also called mercy killing; the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die as by withholding extreme medical measures, a person suffering from an incurable, especially painful disease or condition. Lastly, it is also known as painless death. In order to be done, the dying patient or their legal representative can request the procedure to be performed by a physician. Currently in the United States only four states legally perform euthanasia. In Oregon the policy passed in 1994 but was not implemented until 1998, since then 341 individuals have exercised their right to end their lives. Washington passed their policy in 2008, the patient must be a terminally ill adult who is a Washington resident and have less than six months to live. Montana’s current policy has no rules and guidelines for the procedure similar to those in Oregon or Washington, but it is allowed. Lastly, Vermont in 2013 passed it into law. The patient must be diagnosed by two doctors, and have six months to live. This is the first state to pass it into law the other states were voter initiatives. The laws for other states differ, they current read as follows; “Other states see it as aiding or causing suicide, a type of homicide or manslaughter. This actions are prosecuted. In California, penal code

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