Yours is a philosophical/ethical question. The current approach from an academic perspective to answering that question is through philosophical inquiry.

Also, there is a distinction between euthanasia and assisted suicide. Euthanasia of humans is illegal in the US. It involves an outside person ending the life of another human being with or without that person's consent. Assisted suicide is legal in some states in the US. It involves helping a consenting person who meets certain criteria under strict conditions to commit suicide. Where it is not legal, a person helping another person commit suicide can be charged with manslaughter.

Stefan,

I really like the question and I think Madelaine's answer was excellent. I am interested in your thoughts (or the thought behind posing the question).

Dear colleague,

Currently, I am conducting research with a team headed by a Professor in Malta, on the reception of euthanasia and PAS amongst Maltese residents. Naturally, this may entail the drafting of the framework for a policy on the matter. In trying to construct guidelines on the options for the Maltese legislator the difficulty of separating pure philosophical enquiry from strategy in public policy proved to be a feat. And so I had to know whether it is important to be convinced with a philosophical argument for or against the legalisation of euthanasia and/or PAS, and then draft a proper policy on EOL alternatives.

I believe that there are alternatives to Euthanasia and PAS, and I believe that even if we had to legalise Euthanasia and/or PAS, one must invest in palliative care, and hospice care, as well, other alternatives such as pain medicine and/or management in general so as to, as much as possible, leave euthanasia and/or PAS as measures of last resort.

Thank you for your reply and interest.

Regards

Stefan

Our papers o n the topic:

Live your life with degnity looking for quality, not only at the end.At that time euthanasia is more than resignation.