Legalization of Euthanasia

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in certain cases, passive euthanasia is legally accepted in the United States; however, at the present time, active euthanasia is never accepted. The author points out that a growing number of a people in America are in favor of legalizing both passive and active euthanasia specifically claiming that terminally ill patients have a right to choose death over the torment of the final stages of their disease. The paper stresses that euthanasia should never be carried out without a patient's consent; this is why a living will is important.

From the Paper:

"The legal profession in the United States takes a similar view to that which is expressed by the AMA. Thus, the Supreme Court has passed decisions which support the use of passive euthanasia in certain instances. In this regard, it has been determined that a competent person "has a constitutionally protected liberty interest in refusing unwanted medical treatment." Many states have passed legislation permitting passive euthanasia in specific cases."

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