Abstract
The twenty first century has witnessed impressive advances in science and medicine, resulting in increased life expectancy. Unfortunately there has also been a dramatic increase in degenerative diseases such as diabetes and cancer. These development have brought the issue of euthanasia to center stage. The following essay attempts a careful examination of the issue, looking at the arguments opponents and supporters have put forward. Among the issues examined is the right to choose how one dies in accordance with the principles of autonomy and beneficence. It is argued that the practice of euthanasia only benefits the very few individuals ...