Human Growth and Development / Unit 17 HGD 2433 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Euthanasia and Medical Aid in Dying
The idea
Euthanasia is ending life to relieve suffering, and the law distinguishes its forms. Passive euthanasia is withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment, such as removing a ventilator or following a DNR order; the underlying disease causes death, and it is legal in every US state. Active euthanasia is administering a lethal agent, and it is illegal in the United States. Medical aid in dying, also called assisted suicide, is a doctor prescribing medication that the patient intends to take to end life; it is legal in several US states and the District of Columbia, and in Canada and several European countries.
In practice
A patient with terminal cancer asking that her ventilator be removed, passive euthanasia, which is legal everywhere in the country.
Where people slip
The misconception is that passive and active euthanasia are legally the same. The difference between active euthanasia and aid in dying is who administers the medication. The course states legal facts and attributed positions only, and anyone affected can call or text nine eight eight, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Human Growth and Development