Do people have the right to die? Is there really a right to die? Assisted suicide is a controversial subject in the public eye today. Individuals choose sides in the controversy based on a number of variables ranging from their religious views and moral stance to political factors. Several aspects of this issue have been examined in books, television shows, films, magazine articles, and other means intended to bring the subject to public attention. However, perhaps the best way to approach this question in hopes of understanding the motivations of those involved is from the perspective of those affected: the terminally ill and disabled. Imagine, if you can, having Altzheimer's disease. Sometimes you are fully aware of everything around you, but other times you don't even remember the names of your spouse or children. One morning you wake up and, fully conscious, you go to the store, only to discover when you arrive that you no longer remember how to get home. The illness you suffer from will continue to worsen and your condition will deteriorate until your mental faculties are so diminished that you will not even be able to remember how to put on your shoes. At this point, with all of your abilities gone or diminishing, you will have lost your independence and will be forced to rely entirely on others to live your life. Imagine, again, suffering a traumatic accident that left you paralyzed from the chin down and dependent on a ventilator to breathe for you. Suddenly, life as you knew it disappears. You can't do anything on your own, not even breathe on your own and stay alive. All your daily maintenance is done by someone else. You have no ability, no... middle of paper ......8-22. Works consulted: Journal articles “Euthanasia, voluntary” from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy “Assisted suicide: finding common ground”. Lois Snyder, J.D.; and Authur L. Caplan, PhD. Annals of Internal Medicine. March 21, 2000. v.132, n.6 “Physician-Assisted Suicide Legalized in Oregon – Year Two.” Amy D. Sullivan, Katrina Hedberg, David W. Fleming. The New England Journal of Medicine. February 24, 2000. v.342, n.8BooksHamel, R., DuBose, E. (1996) Should We Suffer Until Death? Texas: Southern Methodist University Press Horkan, Thomas. “Legislation that complicates death.” Ed. Gary McCuen and Thérèse Boucher. Hudson: Gary McCuen Publications, 1985. 69-72. Shavelson, L. (1995) A Chosen Death. New York: Simon & Schuster Uhlmann, M. (1998). Last rights? Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.