What’s voluntary euthanasia?

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Voluntary euthanasia is the termination of a person’s life with that person’s express consent, typically for reasons relating to health or quality of life. It is usually performed in consultation with a doctor or medical professional using a variety of medications that supposedly painlessly interrupt life. Euthanasia, even if voluntary, is not legal in all societies, so some people choose to travel to areas where they can choose to die. For many people, voluntary euthanasia is a matter of personal rights, while for others it is a matter of absolute morality, which makes reaching a consensus on this issue very difficult.

A person might choose euthanasia because death is inevitable, pain makes life too difficult, or they have no will to live. There are a number of other possible reasons why a person could be voluntarily euthanized, but many of these are nowhere acceptable under current medical and legal guidelines. For example, some people believe that humanity is a plague on the earth and these people may choose euthanasia as a moral way out of the world. Simply choosing to die is not sufficient for a death to be considered voluntary euthanasia. Euthanasia is currently a term reserved only for death related to medical, not philosophical, concerns.

While euthanasia is typically performed through a cooperative effort between a doctor and patient, it is possible for a doctor alone to administer the ultimate life-ending drug. Also, while euthanasia is almost always intended to be painless, there are a wide variety of methods one could use to cause pain. Euthanasia is sometimes called assisted suicide because the main difference between suicide and euthanasia is the cooperation of a doctor. Exactly how a person is assisted varies depending on the method used.

Typically, for death to be considered euthanasia, it must be legal in the area where it is performed. When euthanasia isn’t legal, it’s often considered murder. Since people who choose euthanasia willingly participate in the act, it is often possible to travel to a place where euthanasia is legal. If travel is not possible, a person interested in voluntary euthanasia may still commit suicide, although this is usually not a method endorsed by any medical or legal group.

Some people wonder why legal approval of euthanasia is needed when people are capable of committing suicide. People have a natural ability to die, and with proper research, most people can end life effectively. There are compelling arguments on both sides of the voluntary euthanasia debate. With or without legal approval, this procedure is a serious and permanent decision that should be considered by all parties involved.

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