incompatible. These views range from support for full patient autonomy to prohibition of even passive euthanasia (Capron).
Public attitudes have also changed dramatically within recent decades. The research indicates that Americans are becoming more tolerant of passive euthanasia, and even supporting a more uniform orientation of criteria for deciding when medical attention should be relegated. In the same manner, though, opinion about quality of life issues falls short of a blanket statement on euthanasia, and such issues as capital punishment and abortion often enter into the equation (Sawyer 530 3).
One interesting, and somewhat insurmountable, issue is that of what euthanasia should actually be defined as. So many variables are present that it is almost impossible to distinguish a cogent definition of the problem. Nevertheless, suggestions have been made that include the intentions of the outside party, the seriousness of the injury, an understanding of
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