Throughout the twentieth century, major scientific and medical advances have greatly enhanced the life expectancy of the average person. However, there are many instances where doctors can preserve life artificially. In these cases where the patient suffers from a terminal disease or remains in a 'persistent vegetative state' or PVS from which they cannot voice their wishes for continuation or termination of life, the question becomes whether or not the patient has the freedom to …showed first 75 words of 1526 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1526 total…this article, California, Washington, Oregon, and Michigan were preparing or has already proposed general election initiatives which would permit aid-in-dying by physicians.                  The act of taking a life is a serious one. The American people are notoriously weary of it's implementation, as can be seen in the case of capital punishment. Although, active euthanasia is consensual, the paradox which lingers in the term 'physician-assisted suicide' is difficult for lawmakers and citizens alike to consent to.