Euthanasia (also known as “mercy killing”) is the practice of ending a life intentionally to relieve pain. It comes from the Greek word εὐθανασία, meaning ‘good death’. Someone who suffers from a painful disease or sickness that is not curable may see assisted suicide as an option.

Euthanasia is a delicate topic with many different opinions. Some believe that euthanasia should not be illegal because it gives people a chance to relieve their pain, and stop their suffering. While others think that euthanasia is more like murder and  that it should not be allowed to kill another person- even if they are in immense pain. Although some countries and states have legalized euthanasia, the different ethical points of view on euthanasia have made it very difficult for  other countries and states to legalize it.

In the countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, Colombia, and Luxembourg, euthanasia has been legalized. In the United States, it is legalized in Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Montana, and California. Although there are many reasons for allowing the practice of euthanasia, for California, it was influenced by Brittany Maynard.

In 2014, Maynard learned that she had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She had stated that her life “devolved into hospital stays, doctor consultations, and medical research”. Brittany knew that there was no cure for her growing tumor, but she wanted to die with dignity. Unfortunately, the state which she was living in, California, did not allow assisted suicide at the time. Maynard then decided to take the matter into her own hands and move to Oregon, where assisted suicide is legal. Her testimony and activism then influenced California to approve and legalize euthanasia.

– Yuan Liu and Jaqueline Almaraz