What is the Difference Between Active and Passive Euthanasia?

The difference between active and passive euthanasia lies in the manner in which a patient's life is intentionally ended.

• Active euthanasia involves killing a patient by active means, such as injecting a patient with a lethal dose of a drug. It is sometimes referred to as "aggressive" euthanasia.
• Passive euthanasia involves intentionally letting a patient die by withholding artificial life support, such as a ventilator or a feeding tube.

Many people make a moral distinction between active and passive euthanasia, believing that it is acceptable to withhold treatment and allow a patient to die, but not to kill a patient by a deliberate act. However, some philosophers argue that active euthanasia is morally better because it can be quicker, cleaner, and less painful for the patient. Ultimately, the distinction between active and passive euthanasia and their moral implications remain a topic of debate and controversy among medical professionals, ethicists, and legal experts.

Comparative Table: Active vs Passive Euthanasia

The difference between active and passive euthanasia lies in the intent and directness of the actions taken to end a patient's life. Here is a table comparing the two:

In summary, active euthanasia involves directly causing a patient's death, usually through a lethal injection, while passive euthanasia involves withholding treatment or providing a fatal dose of a painkilling medication. The distinction between the two is considered crucial for medical ethics, but some argue that it is not justifiable from a moral and ethical perspective.