Who is responsible for deciding when, where and under what conditions a person should die? This question inevitably raises discussions about spirituality, beliefs and legislation. Euthanasia is an idea that has been around for decades, but as we advance in technology and medical skills, the debate cries out to be formally addressed through legislative passage. Euthanasia must be taken out of the hands of legislators and put into the hands of thousands of mortally ill patients trapped in their own bodies and/or minds. It is our responsibility, as a society of deeply thoughtful individuals, to discuss this difficult and troubling issue that plagues the lives of families everywhere. We need to debate an issue that requires discussing various religious beliefs and facing uncomfortable truths. When debating a topic as sensitive and misunderstood as euthanasia, it is important to understand not only the terminology included in the discussion, but also both sides of the debate. We must first start with the definitions of euthanasia and other forms of assisted suicide. I call on Professor John Keown of the University of Cambridge to define euthanasia as such, "the active and intentional termination of a patient's life by a doctor who believes that death is of benefit to that patient." . That being said, there are many forms of euthanasia and assisted suicide and, once again, we look to Keown to resolve any discrepancies. He says: “The most important aspect of the euthanasia debate, as in all debates, is to ensure that the parties involved fully understand the facts and opposing views on this issue. Above all, we must define euthanasia and all the possible forms it can take. Voluntary active euthanasia (VAE), general...... middle of paper ......sslegislature authorizing the practice of euthanasia or other assisted suicide practices on the mortally ill. The legislature will not require that a single person perform euthanasia, but rather will give people the opportunity to end their lives in any way they deem appropriate. Likewise, practitioners will not be expected to provide this care to their patients either. Countless surveys and other findings show us that the general public supports the right to choose between planned, painless death by euthanasia and the painful, prolonged death that is currently commonplace across America. Euthanasia requires a unified voice to propel it into legislative debates. It is known that in America people place rights and freedom above all other causes, so it is important that they defend the right to transmit according to their own wishes and not according to the wishes of legislators..