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. "Passive euthanasia,"" on the other hand, refers to a decision not to treat a life threatening condition on the grounds that no extraordinary measures should be taken to save the life of someone who is either terminally ill or in great pain. ... Rachels does not speak to the metaphysical implications of mercy killing; however, he does argue that there is no moral difference at all between killing and letting die, and he insists that, me...

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