Euthanasia is a controversial topic, not only because there are many different moral dilemmas associated with it, but also because of what constitutes its definition. At the extremes of disagreement, advocates say euthanasia, also known as medical aid in dying, is a good and merciful death. Opponents of euthanasia say it's a fancy word for murder. There are reasons that lead a person to lean towards euthanasia, and there are also reasons that distance someone from euthanasia. Arguments against euthanasia include the Church's view on the topic of suicide. Among the arguments in favor of euthanasia is the patients' desire for dignity. However, regardless of the patient's wishes, suicide is against the law. If a person had a living will, this would allow doctors to legally end any life-saving treatment. Without a living will this is not possible. The decision to allow a patient to end their life is clearly not an easy one. Courts believe that unless there is a living will that states what the patient would like done, authorities must try to save him. The law does not require that everything be done to keep a patient alive. Some people believe that keeping a patient alive against their will is not only cruel and inhumane, but also against law and practice. However, for centuries now, doctors in training have taken the “Hippocratic Oath.” This oath is taken from the Greek physician Hypocrites who lived thousands of years ago. The ?Hippocratic Oath? imposes two tasks: prolonging life and alleviating suffering. Problems arise because these two duties are often in conflict. The question most of the time is deciding when to prol... middle of paper... four hours a day, and I knew my disease was incurable, I probably wanted to put an end to that suffering thing. I wouldn't want my family and loved ones to see me suffer. Furthermore, I would like to die with as much dignity as possible. But then again, I'm not in that situation, so I'm not sure that's what I would want to do, you just have to be in the situation to make the best decision possible. Bibliography:1. Friedman, Emily. Ethical issues for healthcare professionals. Baskerville: American Hospital Publishing, 1986.2. Maguire, Daniel. Death by choice. Garden City: Doubleday & Company, 3.1984. Reich, Warren. Quality of life. New York: Paulist Press, 1990.4. Brody, Baruch. Life and death decision making. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.5. Chapman, Carleton. Doctors, law and ethics. New York: New York University Press,1984.