Elizabeth Kubler-Ross said, "Those who learned to know death, rather than to fear and fight it, become our teachers about life," and "Dying is nothing to fear." It can be the most wonderful experience of your life" (On). Kubler-Ross brought death out of the closet and into the open, showing people that it was not something to fear. Euthanasia for many brings them a death with dignity, not one wracked with pain and anguish, causing grief and sorrow to those left behind, leaving them with a lasting image of someone suffering to the very end. Euthanasia has been practiced for many years in the Netherlands, and contrary to popular opinion in the United Sates, has not led to the wholesale slaughter of the sick, disabled, poor and weak in society (Dancing). Instead it has brought a comfortable end to many, surrounded by those they love, and allowing them to leave this life at a time and place of their own choosing.
The Dying Patient's Bill of Rights includes the right "to die in peace and dignity" (The). It also gives the patient the right not to be judged for their decisions, even if they are contrary to the beliefs of others. Euthanasia, done at the wish of the patient, should be the right of every patient. No good is served by keeping a patient alive when there is no hope of recovery, and particularly if keeping them alive will only prolong their suffering. What some may call prolonging life is often no more than prolonging death and this should never be allowed to happen against a patient's wishes. Euthanasia should be available to all terminal patients.
Keizer, B. Dancing with Mister D. New York, NY: Doubleday. 1994.
"On Death and Dying Author Dies at 78." 25 Aug. 2004. 23 Mar. 2005. "The Dying patient's Bill of Rights." LearningPlaceOnline.com ...