A Peaceful Separation: Active Euthanasia Many of us have had family members who we have seen suffer during the final stages of their lives. Even though it pains us as close relatives to see someone we love suffer, the person suffering is probably in much more pain than we are. My grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer several years ago. We asked for in-home assistance to help take care of him and my family was good at helping him too. Although he was well cared for, I couldn't help but feel deep pain for him when I looked at him and saw him suffering inside. I remember him falling out of bed in the middle of the night and me being called into the bedroom to help put him back to bed. I was happy to have my grandfather still there with us, but at the same time I wanted him to be happy and free from pain and suffering, knowing that this would only lead to his passing. Many people who suffer from a terminal illness do not want to leave their families behind, but want to move on peacefully to the next life. Knowing that many people wish to leave when they feel ready, is the thought of active euthanasia really as big a problem as many people make it out to be? Active euthanasia is when a person actively witnesses the death of another person. Most commonly a lethal injection is used to euthanize a person. We see this all the time with animals suffering from a terminal illness or no longer having a good quality of life. So why not allow humans to have the same opportunities? Questions related to suicide and homicide often arise when euthanasia is discussed. Suicide is often questioned because the person euthanized must consent to lethal injection. Murder is often questioned simply because a person... middle of paper... can decide whether or not to go forward. Active euthanasia is the active acceleration of a "good" death through the use of drugs, etc., alone or with the help of a doctor. Passive euthanasia occurs when life is no longer prolonged with the person's consent. For example, there is no hope for the recovery of someone who is in intensive care, so the family or doctor decides to take him away allowing a “natural” death. In all honesty, how do passive and active actually differ from each other? In my opinion no. Active euthanasia should be an option for those who have no hope. Works Cited "Active Euthanasia Definition - Medical dictionary definitions of the most popular medical terms easily defined on MedTerms." MediciNet.com. MedicineNet.com, April 27, 2011. Web. October 12. 2011. .