OK...having done quite a lot of research on this topic a few years ago, I should point out the bottom line.
It becomes autonomy vs. sanctity of life. Some believe your life is your choice, and can be ended when the story (as you see it or want it to be seen) is in its last chapter. The best quote I remember on this is this: We need to stop viewing life in biological terms, and see it in biographical terms -- why would we add on an extra, unneeded, and painful chapter when the story arc of someone's life is over?
The other side views life, itself, as an end state. This side believes that "no person is an island"...that our lives affect everyone -- in obvious and not so obvious ways...and, therefore, the decision to live or die, is not ours to make. This side also believes God creates and takes life away...and it is not ours to do anything different. This side is also quick to point out that if you believe autonomy determines life, you risk a slippery slope into killing off the elderly, mentally handicapped, and unwanted infants. This side is the first to reccomend hospice care to ease the pain of dying. This side also points out the numerous times people are declared terminal, but end up beating their ailments.
Obviously, both sides have their points. I tend to believe life is too great a gift to give up. Even when we are terminal, often times the affect our illness has on other people molds them into being greater people than they could have ever been were it not for the tragedy they were forced to go through.
At the same time, the idea of making something unlawful seems a bit insane. While I would never want to do it I can understand why someone would want to.
As a side note euthanasia is a bit different from PAS. PAS requires a physician, and euthanasia can be administered by anyone. Just FYI. =)
"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'"
-- unknown