Euthanasia has become a major debate in our society and the world. Many people ask: what is euthanasia? “Euthanasia is a deliberate intervention or omission with the express intention of hastening or ending an individual's life, to relieve intractable pain or suffering” (Sanders & Chaloner, 2007, p. 41). So the meaning of euthanasia is having the right to die if you are terminally ill, in pain and/or in a lot of pain. Many people do not agree with the use of euthanasia, but if humans can put down animals why can't we use euthanasia on humans? Already in Greek and Roman times the word euthanasia meant "good death". It was also allowed because many people didn't live long. As times began to change, people's opinions on euthanasia also changed, due to the new Judeo-Christian religion. Since life and death were given to us by God, euthanasia goes against his will. If they practiced euthanasia because of their beliefs they would commit a sin and end up going to hell. (Yip,2009,p.1) Now that these doctors can prolong the lives of the terminally ill, the suffering or simply the elderly, using certain machines, euthanasia has become a big debate. Many pro-euthanasia groups, such as pro-euthanasia and right-to-die groups, are discussing legalizing euthanasia. With all these different views on euthanasia, should North America consider changing its law to legalize it? Euthanasia in North America should be legalized because it goes against the Canadian Bill of Rights. Doctors should have the right to decide when to end a life. Patients should have a role in their own death. Finally, some countries already agree with euthanasia. Euthanasia goes again...... middle of paper ...... 3. Retrieved from the Canadian Points of View Reference Center database. Lewis, P. (2007). The empirical slippery slope from voluntary to nonvoluntary euthanasia. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 20, 197-205. Sanders, K., & Chaloner, C. (2007). Voluntary euthanasia: ethical concepts and definitions. Nursing Standards, 21, 41-44. Smith, M. (2002, October 24). THE RODRIGUEZ CASE: A REVIEW OF THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA'S DECISION ON ASSISTED SUICIDE. Government of Canada. Retrieved December 26, 2010, from dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/BP/bp349-e.htm#B. Section 12(txt)Williams, J.R., Lowy, F., & Sawyer, D.M. (1993). Canadian doctors and euthanasia: 3. Arguments and beliefs. Ethical Issues, 10, 1699-1702.Yip,J. (2009). Euthanasia: an overview. Canadian Point of View: Euthanasia, 1. Retrieved from the Canadian Reference Center Points of View database.