What does nonvoluntary euthanasia entail?

Nonvoluntary euthanasia refers to situations where a person is euthanized without providing explicit consent, often because they are unable to consent for themselves due to factors such as being unconscious, in a permanent vegetative state, or suffering from severe cognitive impairment. This form of euthanasia raises ethical questions about the rights of individuals and the role of medical professionals in making such critical decisions on behalf of those who cannot articulate their wishes.

In this context, the choice indicating that there is no consent from a competent patient reflects the essence of nonvoluntary euthanasia, where the patient’s ability to provide consent is absent. The lack of consent signifies that the decision for euthanasia does not involve the individual's agreement or wishes at that moment, which is a critical component distinguishing nonvoluntary euthanasia from other forms where consent is clear and informed.

Other options suggest scenarios where consent is assumed, provided, or inferred, which do not accurately characterize nonvoluntary euthanasia. For example, obtaining full patient consent or implying consent based on past statements involves some form of agreement, which cannot be applied in instances where the patient is not competent to make such decisions.