Liv+Acacia

=**Euthanasia**=

Euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma.
 * What is Euthanasia?**

Active euthanasia is the intentional act of causing the death of a patient experiencing great suffering. Passive euthanasia refers to withdrawing medical treatment with the deliberate intention of causing the patient’s death.
 * What is the difference between “active” and “passive” euthanasia?**

Euthanasia is believed to be an ethical issue because it involves two sides of the argument. Basic arguments in favour of euthanasia include: - Humans have the right to decide when and how they die - It is cruel and inhumane to refuse someone the right to die, even when they are suffering an intolerable and unstoppable pain or disease. - It also provides a cost effective way of dealing with dying people Basic arguments against euthanasia include: - Patients are vulnerable and fearful of the potential pain - Devalues an individual’s life - It is against God - Allows doctors to have too much power over
 * Why is euthanasia describe**** d as an ‘e **** thical issue’? **

Euthanasia or assisted suicide is illegal in Australia so it is a crime to assist in euthanasia. Recently a survey has been conducted questioning whether Euthanasia should be legalized for someone who is experiencing unbelievable and incurable suffering. Statistics show that 1400 people were surveyed and 70 percent believe euthanasia should be legal, 12 percent still think it should be illegal and 17 percent don’t know. There have been attempts to legalize euthanasia, one of the attempts was in the Northern Territory which was called the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995 and euthanasia was legal for a period of time. However, one year later the law was overturned and euthanasia became illegal in every state of Australia.
 * Euthanasia in Australia**

In 1984, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled voluntary euthanasia to be acceptable, provided doctors followed strict guidelines. But, under Dutch criminal law, physicians could still face prosecution. In 2013, according to the latest data, 4,829 people across the Netherlands chose to have a doctor end their lives. The Dutch do not require proof of a terminal illness to allow doctors to “help” patients die. Residents can now choose euthanasia if they are tired of living with multiple sclerosis, depression or loneliness. The Dutch can now choose death if they’re tired of living. The act is technically illegal in the Netherlands. Those who aid euthanasia can face up to four and a half years in prison. But since the early 1970’s, the Dutch government has treated assisted suicide much the same way it handles cannabis users: by looking the other way, honouring the public’s overwhelming view that people in the Netherlands should have the right to die. Since 2002, euthanasia has officially been decriminalized.
 * Euthanasia in the Netherlands**

In comparison the Netherlands and Australia can be viewed as complete polar opposites when it comes to the topic of Euthanasia. In Australia, euthanasia or assisted suicide is illegal, where as in the Netherlands it is overlooked by the government. Although each countries laws are different, regarding euthanasia, the evidence would suggest that the views of both societies are the same, agreeing that euthanasia is actually a positive thing and everyone should have the right to die. Although Australia, the laws around euthanasia are stricter compared to the Netherlands, the evidence shows that both societies actually believe in euthanasia.
 * Comparison**