When people hear the word suicide it stirs up controversy. Although it is a taboo topic; if a loved one were to face a terminal illness that became extremely critical, this would pose a moral question. Can a person be willing to accept the fact that a family member intends to resort to medically assisted suicide? Very few people would agree with this, but in the same case should a human being want his relative to suffer unbearable pain? According to the author, “Indeed, medically assisted suicide implies not resistance but an extension of medical power over life and death” (Salem). There are various reasons why medically assisted suicide might be considered wrong, but it should be the patient's choice as to how they want to give up life. To understand euthanasia a person must know its true meaning: “The literal translation of euthanasia from Greek means good death” (Haigh). Doesn't everyone want to die a respectable, pain-free death? There are therefore four countries and three states in the United States of America that have legalized physician-assisted suicide (Vogel). That said, most cases are used for those suffering from a terminal illness and those who are mentally stable enough to handle the repercussions (Haigh). It is an option for those in excruciating pain to get help and let go of the pain they deal with on a daily basis (Fenigsen). This helps patients die peacefully and relaxed and enjoy their last days with family or friends. To be sure there are many different types of criteria that the patient must meet to satisfy his desire to be euthanized. This depends on where the person lives and to avoid that unwa...... middle of paper ...... dual should consider and why it should be legal. It offers those who die of illness and wish to fulfill their lives the opportunity to do so. Works Cited Fenigsen, Richard. "The lives of others: reflections on medicine, ethics and euthanasia". Issues in Law and Medicine 26.3 (2011): 239. General One File Infotrac. Network. 09 November 2012.Haigh, Carol. “Exploring the case of assisted dying in the UK”. Nursing Standard 26.18 (2012): 33. General One File Infotrac. Network. 09 November 2012.Salem, Tania. “Physician-assisted suicide.” Hastings Center Report 29.3 (1999): 30. General One File Infotrac. Network. November 05, 2012.Vogel, Lauren. "Dying a 'Good Death'." CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal 183.18 (2011): 2089. General One File Infotrac. Network. 09 November 2012. Why we support voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide. Friends at the End, nd Web. 09 November. 2012.