Whose responsibility is it to decide when, where and under what conditions a person should die? This question inevitably leads to discussion of spirituality, beliefs and legislation. Euthanasia is an idea that has been around for decades, but with the advancement of technology and medical expertise the discussion needs to be formally addressed by the legislature. Euthanasia must be taken out of the hands of legislators and put into the hands of the thousands of patients fatally trapped in their own bodies and/or minds. It is our responsibility, as a society of deep-minded individuals, to discuss this difficult and troubling issue that has plagued the lives of families around the world. We must debate an issue that requires discussing different religious beliefs and confronting uncomfortable truths. When we debate a topic as sensitive and misunderstood as euthanasia, it is important to understand not only the terminology included in the discussion but both sides of the debate. First of all we must start from the definitions of euthanasia and other forms of assisted suicide. I ask Professor John Keown of the University of Cambridge to define euthanasia as such, "the active and intentional termination of a patient's life by a doctor who thinks that death is of benefit to that patient." That said, there are different forms of euthanasia and assisted suicide and once again we turn to Keown to resolve any discrepancies. He states: The most important aspect of the euthanasia debate, as of all debates, is to ensure that the parties involved fully understand the facts and opposing views on this issue. We must first define euthanasia and all the possible forms it can take. Voluntary active euthanasia (VAE), gener...... half of the document......ss legislature which allows the practice of euthanasia or other assisted suicide practices on mortally ill patients. The legislator will not require any individual euthanasia practice, but rather will allow people the opportunity to end their lives as they see fit. Likewise, professionals are not expected to provide this care to patients. Countless polls and other findings show us that the public has the right to choose between planned, painless death by euthanasia and the prolonged painful death that is currently common across America. Euthanasia requires a unified voice to push it into the discussion for the legislature. It is known that in America people put rights and freedom above all other causes, so it is important that they defend the right to broadcast according to their own will and not that of legislators.