Final answer:
Increased receptivity to euthanasia is partly due to advancements in modern medicine often failing to improve quality of life, leading to discussions on the right to 'die with dignity' through physician-assisted . Ethical views vary, with arguments for and against based on utility, community harm, and role of physicians. Laws in the US, like Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, have been enacted in several states.
Step-by-step explanation:
People are increasingly receptive to euthanasia which is often considered from the perspective of 'dying with dignity'. As modern medicine advances, the ability to prolong life has often not equated to an improved quality of life, leading to more discourse on whether individuals should have the right to end their life in cases of unremitting pain and decreased life enjoyment. The argument largely centers on voluntary physician-assisted , a practice where lethal medication is provided by a medical doctor to end a patient's life, with consent.
Philosophical and ethical views vary significantly. Some philosophers, like Peter Singer, argue from a utilitarian standpoint that it is moral to help someone avoid prolonged death. In contrast, others are concerned about the ethical harm to the community and the physician's role in the practice.
Laws have evolved over time in response to these debates. In the United States, Oregon led the way with the Death with Dignity Act, and by 2021 several other states had enacted similar laws. Nonetheless, ethical discussions continue, with arguments about the wrongness of killing, the role of physicians, and the slippery slope of potential misuse or abuse in cases of euthanasia.