...the moral and legal authority to take one's own life; however, contemporary society stops short of this specific aspect of a self-governing existence and imposes strict limitations upon a person's desire to take his or her life within the context of medically-related circumstances. Euthanasia in any form, according to Rachels (1975), fails to support the very foundation of any moral canon, no matter if the intent is pure. To look beyond this assertion and consider how this option for ending extraordinary pain and suffering is a viable alternative speaks to the understanding of life quality, dignity and personhood, three components of life that - when absent - create a vacuum that extracts every bit of mortal presence, leaving behind only a shell of the person. To draw a more finite conclusion of euthanasia's appropriateness in today's society, it is important to note how the speed with which such an act is undertaken serves to lessen the pain and suffering inherent to a slower method;...