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that the side effects of the painkilling drugs may weaken the patient and bring about death more quickly. This is generally not considered euthanasia as, again, there is no deliberate intention to kill the patient, but an attempt to alleviate their suffering. Voluntary and Involuntary Euthanasia Voluntary euthanasia is when the person who is killed has made a specific request for their death. In some countries where euthanasia is legal, this request has to be made a num- ber of times by the patient over a period of time, sometimes in written form and other times verbally. In contrast, involuntary euthanasia is used to describe the killing of a person who has not clearly expressed the wish to die. Involuntary euthanasia has occurred with patients who have no ability whatsoever to communicate their wishes to caregivers, doctors, friends, or relatives. These include patients whose conditions have deteri- orated to the extent that they are in a type of deep, prolonged coma that is referred to as a persistent vegetative state (PVS). The Difference between Euthanasia and Suicide Euthanasia and suicide are not considered the same in the laws of most countries or in arguments about morals and ethics. Suicide is the intentional taking of one’s own life. The final act does not involve anyone else helping in any way. With euthanasia, the assistance of another individual is required in taking a person’s life.

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Background of Euthanasia