Editing Euthanasia (section)

==Debate==
Historically, the euthanasia debate has tended to focus on a number of key concerns. According to euthanasia opponent [[Ezekiel Emanuel]], proponents of euthanasia have presented four main arguments: a) that people have a right to [[self-determination]], and thus should be allowed to choose their own fate; b) assisting a subject to die might be a better choice than requiring that they continue to suffer; c) the distinction between passive euthanasia, which is often permitted, and active euthanasia, which is not substantive (or that the underlying principle–the [[doctrine of double effect]]–is unreasonable or unsound); and d) permitting euthanasia will not necessarily lead to unacceptable consequences. Pro-euthanasia activists often point to countries like the [[Euthanasia in the Netherlands|Netherlands]] and [[Belgium]], and states like [[Oregon]], where euthanasia has been legalized, to argue that it is mostly unproblematic.

Similarly, Emanuel argues that there are four major arguments presented by opponents of euthanasia: a) not all deaths are painful; b) alternatives, such as cessation of active treatment, combined with the use of effective pain relief, are available; c) the distinction between active and passive euthanasia is morally significant; and d) legalising euthanasia will place society on a [[Euthanasia and the slippery slope|slippery slope]],<ref>{{Cite book |publisher = Times Books |isbn = 978-0-8129-2790-0 |location = New York |title = Forced Exit |author = Wesley J. Smith |edition = Forced exit |date = 1997 |id = 0812927907|ol = 1006883M |url = https://archive.org/details/forcedexitslippe00smit }}</ref> which will lead to unacceptable consequences.<ref name="Emanuel1994"/>{{rp|797–8}} In fact, in [[Oregon]], in 2013, pain was not one of the top five reasons people sought euthanasia. Top reasons were a loss of dignity, and a fear of burdening others.<ref name=usa151020>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/10/20/california-physician-assisted-suicide-belgium-netherlands-editorials-debates/74296214|title=The vulnerable will be the victims: Opposing view|website=Usatoday.com|access-date=4 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909185538/https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/10/20/california-physician-assisted-suicide-belgium-netherlands-editorials-debates/74296214/|archive-date=9 September 2017}}</ref>

In the United States in 2013, 47% nationwide supported doctor-assisted suicide. This included 32% of Latinos and 29% of African-Americans.<ref name=usa151020/> Some US disability rights organizations have also opposed bills legalizing assisted suicide.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/disability-rights-assisted-suicide-california/397235/ |title=Why Disability-Rights Advocates Are Fighting Doctor-Assisted Suicide |date=2015-06-30 |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=[[The Atlantic]] |last=Gorman |first=Anna |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701182950/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/disability-rights-assisted-suicide-california/397235/ |archive-date=2015-07-01 |url-status=live}}</ref>

A 2015 [[Populus Ltd|Populus]] poll in the United Kingdom found broad public support for assisted dying; 82% of people supported the introduction of assisted dying laws, including 86% of people with disabilities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dignity in Dying Poll – Populous |url=https://www.populus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DIGNITY-IN-DYING-Populus-poll-March-2015-data-tables-with-full-party-crossbreaks.compressed.pdf |access-date=4 August 2018 |archive-date=8 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108235559/http://www.populus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DIGNITY-IN-DYING-Populus-poll-March-2015-data-tables-with-full-party-crossbreaks.compressed.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

An alternative approach to the question is seen in the [[hospice]] movement which promotes [[palliative care]] for the dying and terminally ill. This has pioneered the use of pain-relieving drugs in a holistic atmosphere in which the patient's spiritual care ranks alongside physical care. It 'intends neither to hasten nor postpone death'.<ref>{{cite web |title=Position statement on hospice care and assisted dying (assisted suicide) and recommendations |url=https://www.hospiceuk.org/docs/default-source/Policy-and-Campaigns/hospice-uk-assited-dying-position.pdf |website=Hospice UK |access-date=11 March 2021}}</ref>