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'''Euthanasia''' is the deliberate termination of the life of a terminally ill person in order to end unbearable suffering. Under Anglo-American law all forms of euthanasia are illegal. Most religious leaders see euthanasia as murder.

'''Euthanasia''' is the deliberate termination of the life of a terminally ill person in order to end unbearable suffering. Under Anglo-American law all forms of euthanasia are illegal. Most religious leaders see euthanasia as murder.

Most [[libertarians]], many [[liberals]] and (particularly in Europe) some [[conservatives]] support legalization in some circumstances of ''voluntary euthanasia'', i.e. the termination of a patient's life upon his/her own explicit request. Voluntary euthanasia has been legalized in the [[Netherlands]], [[Belgium]], [[Switzerland]] and the US state of [[Oregon]].  Legalized euthanasia has limitations on when it may be used, such as the approval of a number of physicians when a terminally ill patient suffers from excruciating pain. Opponents of euthanasia maintain that this rarely constitutes an obstacle, as in practice all it requires is a few physicians to authorize it, and that legalization thus violates the [[sanctity of human life]]. Proponents of legalized euthanasia, on the other hand, feel that a complete ban on voluntary euthanasia would unnecessarily prolong the suffering of some terminally ill patients.  

Most [[libertarians]], many [[liberals]] and (particularly in Europe) some [[conservatives]] support legalization in some circumstances of ''voluntary euthanasia'', i.e. the termination of a patient's life upon his/her own explicit request. Voluntary euthanasia has been legalized in the [[Netherlands]], [[Belgium]], [[Switzerland]] and the US state of [[Oregon]].  Legalized euthanasia has limitations on when it may be used, such as the approval of a number of physicians when a terminally ill patient suffers from excruciating pain. Opponents of euthanasia maintain that this rarely constitutes an obstacle, as in practice all it requires is a few physicians to authorize it, and that legalization thus violates the [[sanctity of human life]]. Proponents of legalized voluntary euthanasia, on the other hand, feel that a complete ban would unnecessarily prolong the suffering of some terminally ill patients.  

The widely reported withdrawal of a feeding tube from the disabled and comatose [[Terri Schiavo]], with a court order prohibiting anyone from bringing her water, is an example of euthanasia.

The widely reported withdrawal of a feeding tube from the disabled and comatose [[Terri Schiavo]], with a court order prohibiting anyone from bringing her water, is an example of euthanasia.

[[category:law]]

[[category:law]]