I know some of us have been dancing around this issue, so I thought I'd open it up for full debate.

What are your thoughts on euthanasia (as defined by www.dictionary.com)?

I chose this definition because it leaves the choice of debating whether one can commit suicide alone or do it with assistance, but it narrows the reason to one having a terminal condition.

I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.

In my opinion, morally, suicide is wrong, even if it is assisted. On the other hand, I also feel that if it were me that had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and was going to dye, rather than suffer from pain and be pumped full of medications, I would much rather have someone give me an injection and I die pretty close to peacefully. I think it's all based on one's preference.

I've received a request that we provide some links for people to learn more about this topic. We, meaning all the members here.

I'll be doing my part and I hope some of you have a moment to help out. If any of you know of any links that provide good arguments for either side, please post them here.

Thanks!

I think euthanasia, like mental illness, is a subject no one wants to think about until it is forced on them.

My guess is that most people would think it morally wrong, but would hesitate to judge anyone harshly for choosing it. Even the courts have a hard time with it.

MT

Euthanasia as assisted suicide is wrong. Whether I pull the trigger or I tell someone else to pull the trigger is both the same.

Plus, if euthanasia was legal, I could see it being used as a defense argument. "Yeah, my wife told me to shoot her in the head. It was euthanasia, it wasn't murder."

Now, in the case of terminating life support, I see that as a different issue. If a person's existence is based on machines maintaining life, I don't see it as immoral to decide to stop using the machines and to die naturally.

It is common in this country to euthanize a dog when it becomes ill, so that the dog won't have to suffer. This is an animal that has absolutely no choice in the matter, but when it comes to a human that is suffering and gives consent, some consider it to be immoral. The key word, in my opinion, is consent.

If someone who is terminally ill is suffering enough to feel that they want to terminate their own life, I think that they should be able to do that, through the aid of a licensed professional, as quickly and painlessly as possible.

I agree with Cyan. I think the basis for this 'immoral' business is that some people think making life and death decisions for themselves is stepping on God's toes. Which I can respect. If they feel it's wrong they will not do it. As simple as that. However, they should realize that they cannot decide how others feel. They should allow it to be a choice that's legal and available for others that wish to access it. It's their life, their pain afterall.

In other words, you can let them choose euthenasia and die with dignity without un-necessary added pain and suffering, or you can allow them to do it the other way.