Euthanasia is moral and ethical There has been much discussion recently in American society about the legality and morality of a patient's right to die. Current legislation prohibits any form of euthanasia, however there are many moral and ethical dilemmas linked to the controversy. For the purposes of this essay, I will define euthanasia as the implementation of a decision that a person's life will end before it is supposed to end. In other words, it is a life that ends when it would otherwise be prolonged. There is an important distinction between voluntary euthanasia, where the decision to end life coincides with the individual's wishes, and involuntary euthanasia, where the individual concerned is unaware of the decision and has not approved it in advance. I will deal specifically with the concept of voluntary euthanasia, because it seems intuitive that involuntary euthanasia is not only illegal but also profoundly immoral. Arguments of opponents against euthanasia that fail to substantiate their claims, arguments of many supporters highlighted by the right to autonomy, and empirical examples of Legalized euthanasia demonstrates the moral legitimacy of medically assisted suicide. Opponents of euthanasia generally make three main arguments which I will mention only for the purpose of refuting them. First, many cite the Hippocratic Oath that states, "I will not give any deadly medicine to anyone, if asked, nor suggest any such advice" as a reason to oppose euthanasia. Clearly, the Hippocratic Oath condemns the practice, however, I do not find this to be sufficient reason to withhold moral permission... middle of paper... voluntary euthanasia will somehow morph into involuntary euthanasia. It is also clear proof that voluntary euthanasia can be carried out legally and without great harm to society or individuals. The unfounded claims of euthanasia opponents, many affirmative arguments in support of the moral permissibility of euthanasia, and the success of the Dutch experiment with legalization all demonstrate that euthanasia is a legitimate moral practice. If we do not allow individual autonomy in determining the scope and extent of medical treatment, then we are condemning many terminally ill patients to a final stage of life filled with misery and ravaged by unrelenting pain. The moral and ethical course of action is instead to guarantee patients who request euthanasia the mercy and relief of a dignified death..