With increasing media attention, euthanasia has become a huge controversy split in two. The topic of euthanasia dates back several hundred years, but has received a lot of attention over the last century and is still a major problem. Let's take a look at what exactly euthanasia is, the history, my opinions on the subject, and society's arguments for and against it. According to euthanasia.com, euthanasia is “the intentional killing, by act or omission, of a dependent human being for their well-being.” or its alleged benefit. There are four different types of euthanasia and two different ways of performing it. The different types are: voluntary euthanasia (request to be killed), non-voluntary euthanasia (no request or consent), involuntary euthanasia (expressed wish) and assisted suicide (someone helps to die). suicide). If it is the doctor who helps, it is called physician-assisted suicide. The two different ways of practicing euthanasia are: euthanasia by action ("performing an action", i.e. a lethal injection) and euthanasia by omission (refusal of care or food) (euthanasia ). In 1920, Alfred Hoche, MD, professor of psychiatry at the University of Freiburg, and Karl Binding, professor of law at the University of Leipzig, wrote a book entitled Allowing the Destruction of a Life Not Worthy of Living. This book said that “in certain circumstances” if a patient requested it, a doctor could help carry out their wishes (euthanasia). Euthanasia was an issue in many countries, even becoming legal in the Netherlands in 2000 and Belgium in 2002, but it really became a topic of discussion in the United States in the late 1990s, when the Oregon legalized assisted suicide in 1998 and then ten years...... middle of paper...... offer. There are people who are sympathetic and understand that this is a difficult decision, as well as an issue that should not be taken lightly or decided on the spot, if it has not been discussed at the prior notice between all those involved. -kill Right to die Physician-assisted suicide Living will research. 2011. Internet. April 11, 2011. .Evans, Hilary. “The Pitfalls of Physician-Assisted Suicide.” Doctors News. September 1997. Web. April 11, 2011. .MS, Afiff. Pro-euthanasia arguments - 2010 edition. 1st ed. Afiff MS, 2010. Kindle. “Top 10 pros and cons – Euthanasia – ProCon.org. » Euthanasia ProCon.org -- Should euthanasia be legal? May 28, 2010. the web. April 11. 2011. .