There were times in human history when people died in childhood by disease, in adulthood through war, or at any age through starvation. However, for much of the earth now, these problems do not threaten most people's lives. As a consequence, people are living much longer, and in old age they are dying slow deaths from cancer, lung diseases and heart diseases. For many years, doctors have taken the Hippocratic Oath, promising not to end life. During this time, the best way for doctors to support humanity was by always trying to extend life. Conditions in the world are different now. While life has never been better for most people, death has never been worse. Laws in every country in the world must be changed to allow doctors to use their professional discretion when attending those who are dying.
             It is accepted in our society that people who are dying from incurable diseases have the right to end their own life. Euthanasia means a good death, and a long, painful death is not a good death. Of the six authors who wrote about the subject of euthanasia in Current Issues And Enduring Questions; A Guide to Critical Thinking and Argument, with Readings, not one author argued that there was not a right to end one's own suffering life. Once there is agreement on the right of terminal patients to end their suffering, the question of the doctor's role must be answered.
             Many doctors willingly help their patients take their lives in a painless way. However, because of the rules of medical practice and government law and regulation, many of those doctors do not openly admit their actions. The patients understand these unwritten rules too. When Doctor Quill was asked for barbiturates for sleeping by a patient who was dying from leukemia, she knew the ultimate purpose of those pills (433-38). The patient knew from the Hemlock Society how to ask for them without stating their true purpose. However, Doctor Quill was more interested in...