Definition:

Active euthanasia refers to the intentional act of causing the death of a person with the purpose of relieving their suffering or ending their life, typically through the administration of lethal substances or the performance of a lifesaving action with the intention to cause death.

Subtitles:

1. Intentional Act:

Active euthanasia involves deliberate actions taken by a medical professional or another individual with the intention of hastening the death of a person.

2. End of Suffering:

The primary objective of active euthanasia is to alleviate the physical or emotional pain and suffering experienced by the individual, especially in cases of incurable illnesses or extreme medical conditions.

3. Administration of Lethal Substances:

Active euthanasia may involve the administration of drugs or substances, such as lethal injections, that directly cause death.

4. Lifesaving Action:

In certain cases, active euthanasia can involve withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments or performing actions that, while being potentially life-saving, are intentionally directed towards causing the person’s death.

5. Consideration of Moral and Legal Implications:

Active euthanasia raises significant ethical, moral, and legal questions, as it involves intentionally ending a person’s life, thus often requiring careful deliberation, regulation, and legal framework.