In the first place we are going to begin by explaining What is

1 The euthanasia and the origins(background) of its debate

2 1) Definition

Originally, the euthanasia indicates the act ending the life of another person to avoid her the agony.
Nowadays, the euthanasia is called “assisted suicide”. It is described as a practice which provok the death of an affected person by an incurable disease. This disease deteriorates sensibly her moral and causes physical sufferings. The euthanasia can be made under the control a doctor or by him even. There is two classification of euthanasia:

1 Voluntary euthanasia

Euthanasia conducted with consent is termed voluntary euthanasia.

2 Involuntary euthanasia

Euthanasia conducted without consent is termed involuntary euthanasia. Involuntary euthanasia is conducted where an individual makes a decision for another person incapable of doing so.

3 Procedural decision

Both voluntary and involuntary euthanasia can be conducted passively or actively. This distinction is considered as misleading and unhelpful by many of authors.

Passive euthanasia

Passive euthanasia is used with common treatments, such as antibiotics, necessary for the continuance of life. The none-administration of commons treatments is considered as passive or active euthanasia, it’s just a question of moral interpretation. To the point of view of pacify doctors' consciences, it is usually regarded as a passive measure.

Active euthanasia

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 active voluntary euthanasia on himself / herself.

To finish, real fact: legal proceedings of Christine Malevre (January 2003)

1 [pic]

2 1) Context

A female nurse, Christine Malevre has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of six hospital patients. This case has reopened the debate of euthanasia in France.