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Euthanasia is a very sensitive topic and one that will certainly stimulate an emotional response. Either perspective-pro or con elicits a negative emotional response. The response I believe is based upon two fears, one of death and the other of loss. Those who are against euthanasia are more likely to be afraid of dying. The fear of death is considered the most deep seated fear that nearly all people suffer from unwittingly. The fear of loss is more obvious because we never want to let go of those we love.

Those who are pro-euthanasia seem to possess a greater level of acceptance of death as a natural and inevitable course of life. It is viewed therefore less negatively and with greater ease. Preventing death and alleviating suffering are not perceived as one in the same. In fact sometimes, prolonging life equates to prolonging suffering. For example, a dear man I knew died as a result of lung cancer. He was brought back to life and thus lived yet another month as the cancer consumed his body and eventually and excruciatingly painfully destroyed his brain.

The fear of death will not allow us to accept the natural course of life and death is the culmination of life. We cannot alter this fact no matter how hard we try to preserve life. Regrettably, we can prolong suffering in our attempts to prevent the inevitable. Therefore, I am pro-euthanasia. Having seen much suffering endured by those who are not allowed to die naturally has brought forth far more pain than grief ever could. To attempt to control another's 'destiny', if you will, is not humane, it is even cruel in many respects. Death after all is not the end of life, but merely a new beginning and is viewed as such by nearly all religions. Our fear of death is what must be addressed before we can accept the right to die with dignity and with as little suffering as possible.

Learn more about this author, Lana Thomas Ms.
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