Euthanasia, also called mercy killing, is the act of ending someone's life passively or actively, usually for the purpose of alleviating pain and suffering. “All forms of euthanasia require the intention to hasten death for the benefit of patients who experience a poor quality of life” (Sayers, 2005). It is a very controversial topic that often leaves a person with conflicting emotions and beliefs. Opinions on this topic depend on the health and mental state of the victim, as well as the method of death. It raises legal questions as well as the question of morals and ethics. Euthanasia is divided into two different categories, passive euthanasia and active euthanasia. “There are inevitable uncertainties in both active and passive euthanasia. Doctors may disagree on a prognosis. A patient may be so depressed by the pain that one day he wants to go out, while the next day, with some respite, he has a renewed desire to live. There is the problem of the heirs who might think more about the assets than the patient when it comes to the time to pull the plug." (Cont, 1973) “Passive euthanasia involves the failure to provide (withhold or withdraw) life-prolonging treatment” (Sayers, 2005). Methods of death included would include removal of life support, discontinuation of medical procedures, elimination of food and water, and refraining from the use of CPR. Legal problems rarely arise from passive euthanasia. Doctors have the right to deny food and water to coma patients when swallowing is unsafe. Guardians and powers of attorney regularly sign DNR requests that give medical officials the right to refrain from resuscitating a patient. Removing a patient from life support when there is no hope is perfectly legal and… middle of paper… the legalization of mercy killings also known as euthanasia falters. Much more often I support the right to die. In conclusion, I believe that euthanasia deserves legal support but requires clear and concise legal restrictions and rigorous guidelines that protect the rights of suffering people. Our legal system recognizes an individual's right to end the suffering of his or her beloved pet. Human beings deserve equal rights. Works Cited Betzold, M. (1997). THE SALE OF THE DOCTOR DEATH. New Republic, 00286583, 22-28.Campbell, C. (1996, September/October). Oregon's new way to die. Hastings Center Report, p. 2. Cont., G. (1973). Deciding when death is better than life. Time, 40-44.Haigh, C. (1997). THE WAR ON EUTHANASIA. Economist, 21-24.Sayers, G. (2005). Non-voluntary passive euthanasia: the social consequences of euphemisms. European Journal of Health Law, 221-240.