Euthanasia is the practice of ending an individual's life to free him or her from an incurable disease or unbearable suffering. The term euthanasia derives from the Greek word meaning “good death” and was originally referred to as “intentional killing” (Patelarou, Vardavas, Fioraki, Alegakis, Dafermou, & Ntzilepi, 2009). Euthanasia is a controversial topic that has raised much debate globally. Although euthanasia has received great visibility in the professional media, there are some critical points that lack clarity and need to be addressed. Euthanasia is a controversial topic, and different interpretations of its meaning depend on whether the person supports it or not. While some societies have accepted euthanasia, there are many societies and social groups that are against its practice. Judean Christians view euthanasia as morally wrong, ethically repugnant, and a violation of God's gift of life. Those who oppose euthanasia believe that pharmaceutical, technological progress, and increased therapeutic measures can be embraced to prolong life at all costs (Patelarou et, al. 2009). Euthanasia is defined as passive or active. Passive euthanasia means "letting a person die," while active euthanasia, also known as physician-assisted suicide (PAS), involves giving a patient a lethal injection (drug) to speed up the dying process. This article will explore how euthanasia is viewed from religious and ethical points. Arguments for and against euthanasia will be presented using published research articles. In the United States, euthanasia is illegal in all states except Oregon, Washington, and Montana. In 1998 the issue of euthanasia was raised in America when Dr. Jack Kevorki...... middle of paper ......and Nursing 15, No 5.Sanders, K, & Chaloner, C. (2007 ) Voluntary euthanasia: ethical concepts and definitions. Nursing standard. 21, 35, 41-44.Siu,W. (2009) Community of interpretation: debate on euthanasia and assisted suicide. Tepehan, S., Ozkara, E& Yavuz, F. (2009) Attitudes to Euthanasia in ICUs and Other Hospital Departments: Nursing Ethics 10.1177/0969733009102693Keown, D. (1996). Buddhism and suicide. Channa's case. Retrieved from http://jbe.gold.ac.uk/WWW.Euthanasia.com Jotkowitz, A., Gurion, B., Ben-Gurion, G., Gesundheit, B, (2008) A Case Against Justified Non-Voluntary Active Euthanasia (Groningen Protocol) The American Journal of Bioethics. Lee, M., Bom, J., Swarte, N., Heintz, P., Graeff, A & Bout, J, (2005). Euthanasia and depression: a perspective Cohort study among terminally ill cancer patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology.