Surrounding the debate around legalized active euthanasia are two conflicting views: those who support its legalization and those who do not. Those who do not support legalized euthanasia claim that it is a "slippery slope," and would inevitably bring about unforeseen consequences ("Euthanasia and assisted suicide - Arguments"). For example, a terminally ill patient may feel pressured to request euthanasia should the patient feel guilty about the familial burden. Others believe that legal euthanasia may discourage research into palliative care and peaceful end-of-life treatments or cures for terminal illnesses. In some situations, doctors could misdiagnose the patient, causing the patient to choose euthanasia despite not having an incurable, life-ending sickness ("Euthanasia …show more content…
Those who favor the ethical approach may say that if a terminally ill patient is facing "intolerable pain and their quality of life is severely diminished," then it is ethical to allow that person to choose to end their life ("Euthanasia and assisted suicide - Arguments"). When a terminal illness threatens an individual's quality of life, they may feel their life is not worth living, and medical professionals should approach patients with compassion and respect should they wish to instead die with dignity rather than at the mercy of their illness (Chand). Many believe that the "only humane choice is to allow individuals who are suffering to choose to end their suffering" (Chand). The significant common ground between these two dramatic stances is that euthanasia will always be a controversial subject, so great care must be taken to alleviate any uncertainties with consistent and comprehensive