Life is dear to many and cherished by most. Many of us can take life for granted when we are healthy and happy. In the same spirit; we must consider a terminally ill patient and the place that such a person can take in their role; when it comes to their quality of life. When faced with unforeseen special circumstances that arise, could logic and reasoning be put aside. It could be argued that the life element constitutes a different comparison; when applied to an average healthy person. This is where controversy begins and morality becomes a tricky issue for most people. Should euthanasia be an alternative to end pain and suffering in certain circumstances? or is euthanasia a senseless and selfish means to an end. Worse still; Could euthanasia be considered an act of murder? In the first article, I read “Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy: An Argument Against Legislation” by John Keown. According to Keown, the term euthanasia can be defined as "the active and intentional termination of a patient's life by a physician who believes that death is of benefit to that patient." "Euthanasia is therefore not simply a doctor doing something that he or she believes will shorten the patient's life, but doing something with the intention of shortening the patient's life" (397). In his article he mentions different types of euthanasia; which include voluntary active euthanasia (VAE), non-voluntary euthanasia (NVAE) and involuntary active euthanasia IVAE). Voluntary active euthanasia can be best described as maneuvers performed by another person to end life according to the patient's wishes. Non-voluntary euthanasia is reserved for cases where the person is unable to make their own decision. This applies to babies, young children and those who do not have the... middle of paper ...... uh went on to say that the interpation of euthanasia; is a Greek expression meaning “good death”. The medical community has made many discoveries that have helped prolong life, even if the patient is terminally ill. “Negative euthanasia emerged to classify the practice of withholding or withdrawing extraordinary means (e.g., intravenous nutrition, respirators, and artificial kidney devices) to preserve life” (Euthanasia). Positive euthanasia refers to events that, in turn, result in death. “Passive euthanasia is used when certain common treatment methods, such as antibiotics, medications, or surgery, are withheld or a large amount of necessary, but ultimately lethal, pain medication is provided” (Euthanasia) . The article also mentions that if a patient has a living will; who clearly enumerate their wish to survive artificial means of life, then the will can be respected.