Euthanasia
One of the biggest controversies of this decade in today’s society is euthanasia. Euthanasia is “inducing the painless death of a person for reasons assumed to be merciful?” (Voluntary Euthanasia Society). There are five types of euthanasia, voluntary, direct, voluntary but indirect, direct but involuntary, indirect and involuntary. Voluntary and direct euthanasia is chosen and carried out by the patient. Voluntary but indirect euthanasia is chosen in advance. Direct but involuntary euthanasia is done for the patient without his or her request. Indirect and involuntary euthanasia occurs when a hospital decides that it is time to remove life support. Euthanasia can be traced as far back as the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. ... Voluntary euthanasia was approved in these ancient societies. ... Euthanasia in any form was seen wrong (Encarta 98) In this century there have been many groups formed that are for and against euthanasia. In 1935, the first group that was for the legalization of euthanasia was formed. It was called the Voluntary Euthanasia Society and was started by a group of doctors in London. ... This society also believes that a person must have believed in euthanasia for a certain amount of time before you can make the request for death. ... Euthanasia has been a large issue in the courts during this century. The first doctor was charged for performing euthanasia in 1935. ... He was sentenced to two years probation, fined $10,000 and ordered to perform 400 hours of community service (The Voluntary Euthanasia Society). The most recent and most controversial euthanasia doctor is Dr. ... (Euthanasia Research and Guidance Organization). ... A number of legal considerations are involved in the issue of euthanasia. The state has the right to become very involved in euthanasia cases. The state can specify the number of individuals that must agree for euthanasia to be performed.