Throughout history, advances in medical technology have extended lifespan and delayed death; however, terminal diseases still exist and modern medicine is often unable to prevent death. Many people turn to a procedure known as physician-assisted suicide, a process by which a doctor helps end the life of a terminally ill patient. This procedure is painless and effective, allowing patients to control their death and relieve unnecessary suffering. Despite these benefits, physician-assisted suicide is illegal in many places both nationally and internationally. Despite the fact that physician-assisted suicide is opposed by many Americans and much of the world on ethical and moral grounds, such as those based on religion and the morality of taking another life, it should still be legalized because it alleviates the suffering of patients, allows patients to choose a dignified death and allows patients to control their own destiny instead of the disease controlling them. The idea of ​​physician-assisted suicide carries many misconceptions and faces much opposition. Of these opponents, many are doctors and nurses. This opposition is deeply rooted in the belief that the practice of medicine has the sole purpose of increasing people's quality of life and prolonging life. These beliefs are rooted in the Hippocratic Oath, an oath that all doctors promise to uphold. The Hippocratic Oath proclaims that "I will not give any deadly medicine to anyone if asked, nor will I suggest any such advice" ("The End of Life: Ethical Considerations"). This oath is a major reason why many nurses and doctors oppose the practice; however, it is not the only source of opposition. In addition to the Hippocrates......middle of paper......the pain for both the patient and their families. One procedure, known as physician-assisted suicide, alleviates suffering by having a doctor provide the patient with the means to kill himself painlessly. This procedure, however, remains controversial and illegal in many states. This is unfair to patients who wish to be assisted in seeking death and escaping their terminal illness. Despite all the benefits of physician-assisted suicide, people across America still seek to ban the practice because it conflicts with personal moral and ethical beliefs. Although many people do not agree with the procedure of physician-assisted suicide, it should still become legal because it relieves suffering, allows patients to die with dignity, and allows people to take control of the final choice, death, away from their terminal illness..