From the Guidelines
Euthanasia is defined as an act in which a physician intentionally terminates the life of a patient, such as by lethal injection, with the purpose of relieving pain or other suffering. This definition is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which emphasizes the distinction between euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and patient refusal of life-sustaining treatment 1.
Key Points
- Euthanasia is ethically, legally, and clinically different from patient refusal of life-sustaining treatment through the withdrawal or withholding of treatment.
- Physician-assisted suicide also differs from euthanasia, as it involves a patient's intentional act to end their own life, such as taking a lethal dose of medication prescribed by a physician for that purpose.
- The definition of euthanasia is crucial in understanding the ethical and legal implications of end-of-life decisions, as highlighted in the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1.
Clinical Implications
- Healthcare professionals must be aware of the distinctions between euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and patient refusal of life-sustaining treatment to provide appropriate care and support to patients and their families.
- The study emphasizes the importance of clarity of language in discussing end-of-life decisions, as terms such as "aid in dying" and "medical aid in dying" can obscure the ethics of what is at stake 1.
- The legal status of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide varies across countries and states, with some jurisdictions allowing these practices and others prohibiting them, as noted in the study 1.
From the Research
Definition of Euthanasia
- Euthanasia is referred to in the context of end-of-life practices that hasten death 2
- It is described as a practice that is morally equivalent to active and passive practices for ending life, as perceived by some patients 2
- Euthanasia or assisted suicide (EAS) is permitted in a handful of jurisdictions, with varying scope and legal basis 3
- The term "euthanasia" is used to describe the act of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve pain and suffering, often in the context of terminal illness or incurable conditions 4
Distinction from Other End-of-Life Practices
- Euthanasia is distinct from palliative care practices, such as palliative opioid use and palliative sedation, which aim to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life 5
- The distinction between euthanasia and palliative care prescribing is important, as it affects access to adequate symptom control and the safety of opioid prescribing 5
- Some patients and healthcare providers may view euthanasia as a means to achieve a "good death" or to relieve suffering, while others may see it as morally equivalent to other end-of-life practices 2, 6