Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Research
Clarence Haskovec killed his wife after complaining to him that she wanted to die. Clarence took in account how many severe illnesses she had been suffering and did the deed. Haskovec was convicted of assisted suicide and was placed on probation (Star Tribune). Many people struggle with severe illnesses everyday which cause endless pain. Should patients and or people with terminal illnesses be offered the option of assisted suicide or euthanasia? States that don’t prohibit assisted suicide include, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington ("Physician Assisted"). However, in several states it is legal. Whether or not assisted suicide and euthanasia is legal or not, supporters and critics have debated over assisted suicide and euthanasia since ancient history.
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However, during the early times of assisted suicide and euthanasia, the topic wasn’t as controversial. In Ancient Greek, assisted suicide was just another peaceful way to die (Star Tribune). This suggests that in the beginning, euthanasia and assisted suicide was viewed as a rational death. Throughout history, the definition of assisted suicide has changed. In today's date, "euthanasia is when a doctor takes action to end a patient's life. When patients take prescribed pills to end their lives, it's known as assisted suicide" ("Physician Assisted"). This definition describes how assisted suicide and euthanasia can be categorized into different meanings from the past. As well as the definition of assisted suicide and euthanasia have changes, the laws have changed too. For example, 1976 was the first documented legal assisted suicide ("Right to Die"). This suggest that there is growing support for assisted suicide and euthanasia. Overall assisted suicide and euthanasia have had interchanging opinions throughout