Euthanasia is a long-debated subject made up of many opinions and beliefs. In this article, I will explain why I support the legalization of active voluntary euthanasia for terminally ill clients in Canada. Active voluntary euthanasia should be legalized because it respects the individual's choice, it allows individuals to flourish in their passage and reduces the individual from further suffering. These are all important elements of bioethics and all good reasons why euthanasia is not a negative thing. Active voluntary euthanasia is “the active killing of a dying person” requested by the client themselves (Collier and Haliburton, 2011, p. 226). In this article, I will also discuss virtue ethics, the principle of autonomy, and the ethics of care. Suffering and Virtue Ethics Many terminally ill clients face pain and suffering from illness and treatment. Living life competently should include a minimum of suffering. With the illegality of active voluntary euthanasia, individuals may suffer more and have a lower quality of life (Begley, 2008, p. 435). I believe that suffering results in a lower quality of life for the individual and that there is not much benefit to prolonging life when terminally ill. I believe that suffering will only diminish the individual psychologically and physically. In virtue ethics, established by Aristotle, the idea that everything in life has a purpose arises from what is called teleology. Things are accomplished for something else. This explains that in life there are goals and an ultimate goal. An example of an ultimate goal in this case might be to die peacefully. This ultimate goal is something valued for its own sake. It is created from...... middle of paper ...... respecting the choice. If overtreated, the individual may experience suffering and pain. This will lead to a decline in quality of life and eudaimonia. I agree that prolonging life and treatment for terminal illness only diminishes fulfillment and well-being. Respecting the individual's decision is part of autonomy and allows a person to make choices for themselves. An individual should always have the right to shape their life, this should also include their death. ReferencesBegley, A. (2008). Guilty but good: Defending voluntary active euthanasia from the perspective of virtue. Nursing Ethics, 15(4), 434-445. Collier, C. and Haliburton, R. (2011). Bioethics in Canada. Toronto: Canadian Scholars' Press Inc. Kimsma, G. and Leeuwen, E. (2007). The role of the family in decision-making regarding euthanasia. Health Care Ethics Committee Forum, 19(4), 365-373.