Active euthanasia

Active Euthanasia refers to the deliberate act of causing the death of a patient suffering from an incurable or painful condition. This is typically done through the administration of lethal substances or the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Active euthanasia is a controversial topic due to the ethical and moral implications it carries.

Definition

Active euthanasia is defined as the act of intentionally causing the death of a patient in order to alleviate suffering. This is in contrast to passive euthanasia, where death is brought about by the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.

Legal Status

The legal status of active euthanasia varies greatly from country to country. In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, active euthanasia is legal under specific circumstances. However, in many other countries, including the United States, active euthanasia is illegal and is often equated with murder.

Ethical Considerations

There are many ethical considerations surrounding active euthanasia. Supporters argue that individuals should have the right to die with dignity and that it is more humane to allow a person to die quickly and painlessly rather than to suffer. Opponents, however, argue that life is sacred and that doctors have a duty to preserve life rather than to end it.

Medical Procedure

In cases where active euthanasia is legal and requested by the patient, it is usually performed by a medical professional. The most common method is the administration of a lethal dose of a drug, such as a barbiturate. This is often done intravenously, allowing the patient to die peacefully in their sleep.

See Also

• Euthanasia
• Passive euthanasia
• Assisted suicide
• Right to die
• Medical ethics