Euthanasia notes

Active euthanasia – it’s when a person causes the death of a patient on purpose directly
Passive euthanasia – the patient’s life is taken not directly, they’re just allowed to die.

Passive euthanasia is when death is its brought by a form of an act – like for example letting
someone die.

By switching off a ventilation machine, for example which keeps a person alive, the
treatment is withdrawn, so they die because of it.

By not performing surgery, which can extend one’s life for a period of time, withholding
treatment, so they die later on.

Voluntary euthanasia occurs if the person’s requested it.

Non voluntary euthanasia occurs when the person is unconscious, for example a child is very
young, or someone with limited intelligence.

Involuntary euthanasia occurs when the person chooses life, but is killed anyway – this can
be referred to as murder.

Indirect euthanasia means providing treatment, to reduce pain, but also speeds the
patient’s death.

Assisted suicide is usually referred to when the person who is definitely going to die, it may
be for example getting drugs for the person.

Dignitas – is essentially a Swiss society that provides assisted suicide to members of the
group, who suffer from several, mental or terminal illnesses

They have assisted over 2,100 people with dying at home. They also advise people on
palliative care and preventing attempting suicides.