From a purely theoretical/philosophical standpoint, should euthanasia be legalized on the grounds that one can do self-destructive things such as smoke/consume tobacco because "it's my body..." and also that abortion is a woman's choice to do what she wills with her body? If there is a large, popular cultural belief or attitude, then according to our common law tradition, it should either by law or seriously considered. Now I personally have serious reservations about euthanasia. I have never studies the topic in-depth or given it (too) much thought, but from what I've been told by a friend who is involved in this issue, there seems to be some good theoretical/philosophical base to the euthanasia.
I think it should be seriously considered. I think the issue of euthanasia is harder on the loved ones than the individual who choses it. As a society, we afford that right to our pets who have terminal illness or wouldn't have a quality of life. Obviously euthanasia should be one last option but its something that people feel strongly about.
Euthanasia is a slippery slope. I think it is selfish, people are in faviour to end their own suffering with out realizing the full implications. Once the 'right' to die is established it raises all kinds of issues specifically for those unable to make the decision but have low quality of life ie those with dementia or retardation. The nazi t4 eugenics program that eventually led to the holocaust started from a similar premise, that euthanasia was justifiable. There are ways for a person to end their life with out a change in law that has the potential, at least, for abuse.
