What is the Difference Between Suicide and Euthanasia?

The main difference between suicide and euthanasia lies in the involvement of others and the intention behind the action. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

• Suicide: This is the act of intentionally taking one's own life. It is typically carried out by the individual without the assistance of others. Suicide is often driven by feelings of hopelessness, depression, or other mental health issues.
• Euthanasia: This is the act of deliberately ending a person's life to relieve suffering, often due to a terminal illness or incurable condition. Euthanasia can be classified as voluntary or non-voluntary. In voluntary euthanasia, a person makes a conscious decision to die and asks for help to do so. In non-voluntary euthanasia, a person is unable to give their consent (e.g., because they are in a coma), and another person takes the decision on their behalf, perhaps because the ill person previously expressed a wish for their life to be ended in such circumstances.

Assisted suicide is a related concept, where a person intentionally assists another person to kill themselves, often by providing them with the means to do so. This is different from euthanasia, as the patient takes the final action themselves. Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in many countries, but some jurisdictions have legalized one or both of these practices.

Comparative Table: Suicide vs Euthanasia

Here is a table summarizing the differences between suicide and euthanasia:

It is important to note that within the context of euthanasia, there are different classifications, such as voluntary, involuntary, and non-voluntary euthanasia. The discussion around euthanasia and assisted suicide often involves debates about personal autonomy, the role of medical professionals, and the potential for abuse or misuse of these practices.