The term “euthanasia” originates from Greek and refers to “good death”. However, the underlying meaning of this term is always conflicted. In one case, it could be “actively doing something” to initiate the process of a good death, whereas, in another, it could be assisted suicide, aid-in-dying, and right to die. This paper focuses on the difference between actively killing a patient (active euthanasia) and letting a patient die by forgoing treatment (passive euthanasia). (Bonnie, 2016)

Active euthanasia

Active euthanasia refers to the intentional killing of a terminally ill patient and comprises a second party injecting a lethal dose of medication in the patient. This act is not allowed by law throughout the United States, with exceptions of the state of Washington and Oregon. In Oregon, through voting, a law was passed twice to allow terminally ill patients to ask for a doctor’s prescription to commit suicide, but under restricted conditions. This law demands that a second opinion is required to determine if the patient is actually terminally ill or just undergoing depression. (Bonnie, 2016)

Nonetheless, to avoid the direct killing of a patient, some physicians resort to allowing a patient-assisted suicide. Also known as voluntary euthanasia, this type of assistance requires the physician to provide a patient with the medical means (a prescription) to end his or her own life. (Bonnie, 2016)

Passive euthanasia

Passive euthanasia refers to allowing a patient to die naturally and is legal throughout the United States. In this type of euthanasia, physicians withhold medical interventions that would sustain the life of a terminally ill patient, including the supply of fluids or hydration and natural feeding. Cleanliness, warmth, and protection from infection and pain are paramount in this process. The only medication administered is for pain relief as lethal injections are prohibited. The process of dying is neither accelerated nor prohibited but allowed to take its natural course. Patients are legally allowed to refuse treatment, and food, even if they are not terminally ill. Passive euthanasia might be legal everywhere but its acceptability is always in question. (Bonnie, 2016)

Therefore, a situation in which passive euthanasia might be acceptable is when the patient completely ascertains that he wants to end his life, and there is a second opinion from a different physician that his condition is true. A second party should be available to affirm and to witness the authorization of this process.

Conclusion

Both active and passive euthanasia are methods that terminally ill patients resort to when emotional and financial pressures befall family members. Although the patient’s final requests are important, serious moral and ethical questions arise when these procedures are done.

Reference

Bonnie, F. F. (2016). Medical Law and Ethics, 5th edition. Pearson.