This article discusses the legalization of euthanasia in America. The author suggests several consequences of easing the restriction of euthanasia that she feels are unacceptable. She states that maintaining prohibition continues to remove the courts from end-of-life decisions, maintains the right to refuse life-sustaining treatment, ensures adherence to palliative care needs, & allows the bedside to remain a safe context in which to work out conflict & emotions of dying people & their loved ones. (11 refs) (SC)