Euthanasia Euthanasia is a controversial subject, not only because there are many different moral dilemmas associated with it, but also in what constitutes its definition. At the extreme ends of disagreement, advocates say euthanasia is a good, or merciful, death. Opponents of euthanasia say it is a fancy word for murder. Between the two extremes, there are various positions for and against euthanasia. One position opposes cases of active euthanasia, where an active effort is made to bring about death, such as in administering a lethal injection. A second position is the acceptance of passive euthanasia, which is described as