The controversial act known as Doctor Aids Dying (PAD) challenges us to question our ethical, religious and cultural values ​​or beliefs. Although tragic and perceived as morally inappropriate, suicide is sometimes the only answer. In some cases this act is a way to end excruciating pain and suffering. The state of Oregon passed a law known as the Death with Dignity Act in 1994. PAD is defined as “a practice in which a physician provides a terminally ill, competent patient with a prescription for a lethal dose of medication, upon request of the patient, which the patient intends to use to end his own life” (Braddock and Tonelli). PAD also raises the question: Is it a constitutionally guaranteed right for people to have the power and medicine to take their own lives? PAD, when operated under careful supervision, is an alternative for patients who may have to endure physical, mental and financial hardships. Dr. Peter Goodwin, a physician from Portland, Oregon, campaigned for the Death with Dignity Act, which he called his greatest legacy. Goodwin became terminally ill towards the end of his life. Dr. Goodwin was 83 years old when he took the same medicine he had fought for so long. Goodwin was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder, which he had battled for 6 years prior to PAD. In 1994, Oregon passed the Death with Dignity Act. This law states that Oregon residents, who have been diagnosed with a life-ending illness and have less than six months to live, can obtain a medicine lethal drug prescribed by a doctor, which will end their life when and where they choose to do so. This law or act requires the collection of data from patients and doctors and publication in a r...... middle of paper ...... nation to follow. Washington State followed Oregon's lead and passed a similar act allowing PAD. We should not fear a slow and painful death. PAD should be an option for terminally ill patients, which has been defined as an inherent constitutional right by the Supreme Court. So law and judgment should ultimately be our decisions. Works Cited Braddock, Clarence and Mark Tonelli. "Medical aid in dying: ethical issue in medicine". Ethics in Medicine. University of Washington, 2009. Web. March 3, 2015.Campbell, Courtney. “‘Aid in Dying’ and the Taking of Human Life.” Journal of Medical Ethics. 18.3 (1992): 128-134. Network. March 2, 2015. Sloss, David. “The Right to Choose How to Die: A Constitutional Analysis of State Laws Prohibiting Physician-Assisted Suicide.” Stanford law review. 48.4 (1996): 937-973. Network. March 2 2015.