People say that humans are not animals, but something more.

Humans have free will. They passed the death with dignity law up here in WA state not too long ago. From what I have read on it, there are quite a few safeguards in place so this does not get abused or used in a way it shouldn't be. The patient has to meet quite a bit of criteria, then they get a prescription. If they choose to do it, then its their choice

Well this is a point of view. Not everyone will agree with it. 1) "Euthanasia (from the Greek ευθανασία meaning "well death": ευ-, eu- (well or good) + θάνατος, thanatos (death)) refers to the practice of ending a life in a painless manner. Many different forms of euthanasia can be distinguished, including animal euthanasia and human euthanasia, and within the latter, voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. Voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide have been the focus of great controversy in recent years. As of 2009, some forms of euthanasia are legal in Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Thailand, and the U.S. states of Oregon and Washington." "- Euthanasia by consent: Euthanasia may be conducted with consent (voluntary euthanasia) or without consent (involuntary euthanasia). Involuntary euthanasia is conducted where an individual makes a decision for another person incapable of doing so. The decision can be made based on what the incapacitated individual would have wanted, or it could be made on substituted judgment of what the decision maker would want were he or she in the incapacitated person's place, or finally, the decision could be made by assessing objectively whether euthanasia is the most beneficial course of treatment. In any case, euthanasia by proxy consent is highly controversial, especially because multiple proxies may claim the authority to decide for the patient and may or may not have explicit consent from the patient to make that decision. - Euthanasia by means: Euthanasia may be conducted passively, non-actively, and actively. Passive euthanasia entails the withholding of common treatments (such as antibiotics, chemotherapy in cancer, or surgery) or the distribution of a medication (such as morphine) to relieve pain, knowing that it may also result in death (principle of double effect). Passive euthanasia is the most accepted form, and it is a common practice in most hospitals. Non-active euthanasia entails the withdrawing of life support and is more controversial. Active euthanasia entails the use of lethal substances or forces to kill and is the most controversial means. An individual may use a euthanasia machine to perform euthanasia on himself / herself. - Assisted suicide: Main article: Assisted suicide Assisted suicide is a form of euthanasia where the patient actively takes the last step in their death. The term "assisted suicide" is contrasted with "active euthanasia" when the difference between providing the means and actively administering lethal medicine is considered important. For example, Swiss law on assisted suicide allows assisted suicide, while all forms of active euthanasia (like lethal injection) remain prohibited. Some jurisdictions declare that a person dying as a result of physician assisted suicide does not commit suicide. This ensures that terminally ill people choosing assisted suicide options do not have reduced insurance claims compared to people dying in "natural" way. For example, the Oregon Death with Dignity Act defines that "... participation under the Act is not suicide, so should not affect insurance benefits by that definition." Other terminology A coup de grâce is a "death blow" given to end the misery of a dying enemy or friend, or that precipitates the final destruction of an entity such as a ship or business. Voluntary refusal of food and fluids (VRFF) or Patient Refusal of Nutrition and Hydration (PRNH) is bordering on euthanasia. Some authors classify it as a form of passive euthanasia, while others treat it separately because it is treated differently from legal point of view and often perceived as a more ethical option. VRFF is sometimes suggested as a legal alternative to euthanasia in jurisdictions disallowing euthanasia." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthanasia 2) "Animal euthanasia (from the Greek meaning "good death") is the act of inducing humane death in an animal. Euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress. In domesticated animals, this process is commonly referred to by the euphemisms "lay down," "put down," "put to sleep," "put out of its/his/her misery," or "sent away to the farm." Horses are euthanized if they suffer from an intractable illness or a complicated injury." "Out of 1,000 shelters responding to a 1997 survey conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, 2.7 million of 5.3 million animals or 64% were euthanized. 56% of dogs and 71% of cats that enter shelters were euthanized. 15% of dogs and 2% of cats were reunited with their owners; 25% of dogs and 24% of cats were adopted. The majority of these are euthanized at animal shelters, typically after a standard period of time (ranging from several days to several weeks for unclaimed stray animals). The American Humane Association uses these numbers to estimate that currently 9.6 million animals are euthanized in the United States every year.[9] The AHA does not make clear if or how it accounts for possible changes in euthanization rates that may have occurred since 1997. "No kill" shelters exist, some run by private animal welfare organizations, while others are subsidized wholly or in part by local government agencies or private donations. These shelters make it official policy never to euthanize animals for non-medical reasons. Controversy exists, though, particularly in other shelters that end up with the unplaceable dogs from "no kill" shelters." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_euthanasia

This is a good question.....maybe phrased wrong? Why is it morally wrong TO LET A PERSON END THEIR OWN LIFE if the physical pain is to great to bear? I do not believe in capital punishment, and although I WANT to agree with letting someone end their suffering, I can't. I do wish that the medical field would work harder on coming up with medicines that work better to alleviate pain, so the suffering could be lessened. I honestly can't say I am 100% for or against this, because I don't think anyone really knows in less they are put in the position themselves.

I have thought about this many times... Humans are supposed to have free will yet even if they want to be put out of their pain its not allowed... Its pretty screwed up. I think euthanasia should be allowed in the case of very sick people and them agreeing to it.

Because our society is still somewhat 'under the thumb' of heartless, Victorian-era, sanctimonious moralists? ;-)

I believe humans are more than animals, but for those who do believe that we are animals, it is because we are of a higher species. Why should we really care that an animal is suffering? If the doctor says it's painless, then it's painless. We humans are hypocrites.