Thoughts on the right to die

Difference between:

Physician-Assisted Suicide
Passive Euthanasia
Active Euthanasia

Descending order by initiative?

Differences?

PAS(PAD)

aka. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID)

Points: Assisted, but self-administrated, mainly debating on the ethical & legal subjects

Cases: Any to reduce the patient's pain

Passive Euthanasia: Patient & relatives choose to withhold/stop the artificial life support

Points: More likely the patient is no longer mentally competent and can NOT commit a self-administered suicide

Cases: Serious(Uncurable) disease, the patient suffers from the treatment(the patient's will)

Active Euthanasia: Patient & relatives choose to administer a fatal drug

Points: Stop life immediately from suffering, diminishes the chance of deciding posteriorly

Cases: Unbearable disease(also uncurable?) (more likely NOT the patient's will)

It is important to note that Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) and euthanasia are often used interchangeably in discussions, but for the purpose of this response, I will consider euthanasia as referring to active euthanasia where a physician directly administers a lethal substance to end a patient's life.

There are scenarios where a person might support MAiD but oppose euthanasia. Here are a few possible reasons:

Consent and Autonomy: Some individuals may believe in respecting a patient's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own life, including the choice to receive medical assistance in dying. They may support the notion that a mentally competent patient has the right to request medication to end their own life, as long as they self-administer it. However, they may oppose euthanasia, where a physician directly administers the lethal substance, as they believe it goes beyond the boundaries of patient autonomy.
Moral or Ethical Distinctions: Some individuals may draw a moral or ethical distinction between the act of actively taking someone's life (euthanasia) and providing assistance to someone who takes their own life (MAiD). They may view the former as a direct act of killing, which they oppose based on moral or religious beliefs, while they may find the latter more acceptable within the context of respecting patient autonomy.
Legal Considerations: In jurisdictions where the law distinguishes between MAiD and euthanasia, individuals may support MAiD because it aligns with the legal framework and safeguards in place. They may appreciate the procedural safeguards and eligibility criteria established for MAiD, which aim to ensure that it is provided in a controlled and ethical manner. However, they may oppose euthanasia, viewing it as outside the legal boundaries or lacking the same level of oversight.

It is important to recognize that perspectives on these issues can vary significantly among individuals due to personal beliefs, values, religious or cultural backgrounds, and interpretations of ethics. As a result, there may be diverse viewpoints and nuanced positions on supporting MAiD while opposing euthanasia.

Slippery Slope

Physician-Assisted Suicide -> Passive Euthanasia -> Active Euthanasia