What is the main characteristic of voluntary euthanasia?

The main characteristic of voluntary euthanasia is that it involves a patient who consents after being fully informed about their options and the implications of their choice. This informed consent is crucial because it reflects the autonomy of the patient, allowing them to make a decision regarding their own life and suffering.

In voluntary euthanasia, the patient must understand their medical condition, the prognosis, and the alternatives available to them, which empowers them to make a deliberate and reasoned choice about ending their life. This aspect emphasizes respect for individual autonomy and choice in the context of ethical decision-making in healthcare, distinguishing it from other forms of euthanasia or assisted dying where consent may not be fully informed or given by a competent patient.