Euthanasia can be translated to mean “good death.” The phrase is used in reference to the practice of ending a person’s life to alleviate suffering, offering relief to the person who is suffering from debilitating or painful diseases. In many cases, euthanasia is accomplished by simply removing life support machines, and allowing a patient’s body to give out on its own. Despite the intent behind euthanasia, in most courts, the act is considered to be legal homicide even when a patient requests. It’s illegal because it requires someone to act to end another person’s life. The concept of a “mercy killing” does not exist within the law which is why the subject is so hotly debated. Many believe that people should be able to choose to end their own lives and believe that doctors who wish to help should be able to assist them so they can do it painlessly. Others believe that not only is assisting someone wrong, but ending one’s own life is a sin as well, so the debate still rages.

Data and FAQs

Assisted Suicide Laws

World Euthanasia

Debates

Medical Aspects

  • Medical Aspects: Discusses the medical aspects of euthanasia itself.
  • Types and Methods: An overview of the different types and methods of euthanasia used today.
  • Methods: An article that describes how some doctors perform euthanasia.
  • Medscape Article: Medical article that touches deeply on certain aspects of euthanasia.
  • Guidelines: Outlines the medical guidelines doctors use.

In the Spotlight

  • Tony Bland: Focuses on the case of a British man who was euthanized in 1993.
  • Sue Rodriguez: Case of a woman who was suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
  • Karen Ann Quinlan: Case of a woman who went into a coma, and alive for 30 years, against her family’s wishes.
  • Dr. Kevorkian: Detailed website about the case brought against Dr. Kevorkian, an avid supporter of euthanasia.
  • Terri Schiavo: Case story of Terri Shiavo, the case that truly pushed euthanasia into the spotlight.

Living Wills