The first of these terms, "active euthanasia,"" refers to any action that directly contributes to the death of someone who is terminally ill or in great pain. ... Legally, the difference between active and passive euthanasia is the difference between "killing- and "allowing to die-; the first is punishable by the strictest penalties to be found in our legal system, while the second is not even a misdemeanor. ... Medically, he suggests that the social role of doctors requires that they never use their special knowledge of the human body to cause its death. ... Since both actions are intended...

• Word Count: 952
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Graduate