Types of Euthanasia

Active and passive euthanasia Active euthanasia Active euthanasia occurs when the medical professionals, or another person, deliberately do something that causes the patient to die.

Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide refer to deliberate action taken with the intention of ending a life, in order to relieve persistent suffering. In most countries, euthanasia is against the law and it may carry a jail sentence.

Indirect euthanasia This means providing treatment (usually to reduce pain) that has the side effect of speeding the patient's death. Since the primary intention is not to kill, this is seen by some people (but not all) as morally acceptable.

Voluntary and involuntary euthanasia This article clarifies the differences between voluntary, non-voluntary and involuntary euthanasia, and offers examples of instances where involuntary euthanasia might not be considered murder.