Quotes (human rights/pro euthanasia)?

Question

right now in my LA and SS classes we are choosing a controversial issue, picking a side and writing a concession-rebuttal essay that shows how our side of the issue ties in with the constitution and democratic ideals (life liberty and the pursuit of happiness). The issue that i chose was euthanasia (I'm for it) and I'm having trouble with finding a quote that could open my essay involving the main topics of this essay that don't argue for it but are just about it. Any websites or quotes would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

Answer 1

Wikipedia has a fairly long article about it and will give you many leads you can follow to find what you are looking for.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthanasia

Answer 2

The killing of an ailing calf in Sabarmati Ashram, at Gandhi's instance, had caused much commotion, and he had received some angry letters on the subject. The following is an extract from his long response.

"A calf, having been maimed, lay in agony in the ashram and despite all possible treatment and nursing, the surgeon declared the case to be past help and hope. The animal's suffering was very acute.

In the circumstances, I felt that humanity demanded that the agony should be ended by ending life itself. The matter was placed before the whole ashram. Finally, in all humility but with the cleanest of convictions I got in my presence a doctor to administer the calf a quietus by means of a poison injection, and the whole thing was over in less than two minutes.

"Would I apply to human beings the principle that I have enunciated in connection with the calf? Would I like it to be applied in my own case? My reply is yes. Just as a surgeon does not commit himsa (non-violence) when he wields his knife on his patient's body for the latter's benefit, similarly one may find it necessary under certain imperative circumstances to go a step further and sever life from the body in the interest of the sufferer".

I believe Babu (Mahatma Gandhi ji) is always right!