What does passive euthanasia involve?

Passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing medical treatment or life-sustaining interventions that would prolong a patient's life. This practice is typically considered ethical in situations where a patient has a terminal illness or is in a persistent vegetative state, and it reflects the idea that individuals have the right to die with dignity without further medical interventions that may only prolong suffering.

The key distinction here is that passive euthanasia does not involve taking active steps to end a person's life, such as administering a lethal dose of medication. Instead, it focuses on the removal of medical support, allowing natural processes to take over. This approach aligns with respect for patient autonomy, particularly in regards to quality of life and informed consent regarding medical care. In contrast, active euthanasia involves an action taken to directly cause death, which may be viewed differently in ethical discussions around euthanasia and end-of-life care.