Life is dear to many and valued by most. Many of us can take life for granted when we are healthy and happy. Likewise; one should consider a terminally ill patient and where such a person might fit; when it comes to their quality of life. When dealing with unexpected special circumstances that arise, you can put logic and reasoning aside. It could be argued that the life element forms a different comparison; when applied to the average healthy person. This is where controversies begin and morality becomes a sensitive issue for most people. Should euthanasia be an alternative to end pain and suffering in certain circumstances? or euthanasia is a senseless and selfish means to an end. Even worse; Could euthanasia be considered an act of murder? In the first article I read “Euthanasia, ethics and public policy: an argument against legislation” by John Keown. According to Keown, the term euthanasia can be defined as “The active and intentional termination of a patient's life by a doctor who thinks that death is beneficial to that patient. Euthanasia is therefore not simply a doctor doing something that he expects will shorten the patient's life, but doing something with the intention of shortening the patient's life” (397). In your article you mention different types of euthanasia; which include voluntary active euthanasia (VAE), non-voluntary euthanasia (NVAE) and involuntary active euthanasia IVAE). Voluntary active euthanasia can best be described as a maneuver performed by another person to end life according to the patient's will. Involuntary euthanasia is reserved for cases where the person may not be able to make their own decision. This applies in the cases of newborns, young children and those who do not have the… half of the paper… he went on to say that the interpretation of euthanasia; is a Greek phrase meaning "good death". The medical community has made many discoveries that have made it possible to extend life, even if the patient is terminally ill. “Negative euthanasia arose to classify the practice of withholding or withdrawing extraordinary means (for example, intravenous feeding, respirators, and artificial kidney machines) to preserve life” (Euthanasia). Positive euthanasia refers to events that themselves cause death. “Passive euthanasia is used when some common methods of treatment, such as antibiotics, medications, or surgery, are discontinued or a large amount of necessary but ultimately lethal pain medication is provided” (Euthanasia). The article also mentions that if a patient has a living will; who clearly list their desire to support themselves with artificial means of life, then this desire can be accepted.