Should voluntary euthanasia be legalized? Euthanasia is the intentional killing of a person to relieve pain and suffering. The debate over the legalization of euthanasia is one of the most contentious and controversial issues in the world today. While some countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the US states of Oregon and Washington have legalized euthanasia, most countries still oppose euthanasia due to various problems, both ethical than practical, that creates. There are three main types of euthanasia: voluntary, non-voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary euthanasia refers to a situation in which a person of sound mind requests to die. Involuntary euthanasia occurs when a person is unable. Limiting this ability goes against human rights. Others argue that death is a private matter and if it does not affect anyone else's rights and benefits everyone involved, it is morally acceptable. Practical One advantage of legalizing euthanasia is that it will free up scarce medical resources and hospital space. Countries have limited health budgets, so spending on terminally ill people who wish to die can mean reducing resources available to those suffering from treatable illnesses. It is also argued that euthanasia will happen regardless and that it would be better to legalize it and have adequate regulations and rules. This can be seen in Oregon where voluntary euthanasia was legalized in 1998 but for euthanasia to be practiced a number of strict conditions had to be met: “the patient must be a resident of Oregon the patient must be over the age of 18 the patient must make 2 oral and 1 written request for euthanasia at least 15 days must pass between the first and last request the patient must be terminally ill with a life expectancy of less than 6 years. Although reading and delving into its negative aspects made me recognize the many difficulties associated with euthanasia, I continue to believe that, if regulated properly, it could be used appropriately. This has been seen to be the case in countries where it has been legalized. I believe we are violating human rights by not allowing people to make decisions that affect only themselves. The level of suffering and anguish experienced by patients and their families contemplating euthanasia is impossible for outsiders to understand; therefore this decision should be able to be taken by those directly involved, within a well-regulated system