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Euthanasia.
The topic of euthanasia is not only a controversial issue, but also an illegal practice in most countries and individual states. Euthanasia, by definition implies an easy death or according to the Greek definition a "good death." The purpose of this procedure is usually to end an individual's battle with an incurable disease or intolerable suffering. This has also been referred to as "mercy killing." There are various types of euthanasia that must be explained before the legalities of this issue can be discussed. .
The first is referred to as active euthanasia. This is when a patient's physician administers a lethal dose of medication painlessly putting the patient to death. This is intended for merciful reasons. The second is referred to as passive euthanasia. This is when a patient's physician does not prevent the individuals death from occurring. This is similar to a patient's orders of Do Not Resuscitate. There is also voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. If the act (whether active or passive) is requested by a competent patient, then it is defined as voluntary euthanasia. If the act is requested by a mentally .
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incompetent individual or one who is comatose than the act is considered involuntary euthanasia. Finally, there is assisted suicide. However, this is different from euthanasia in that it requires the patient to administer the final phase of death themselves. This is done with the assistance of an outside party (usually the doctor) who supplies the patient with the means to end their own life. .
This topic raises the question of who should be held accountable for the actual death that occurs - the patient who is requesting this "service" or the doctor who is providing the "service." The legalities of this issue vary according to the country and/or state involved and the type of euthanasia used.
