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Euthanasia

Physician-assisted Suicide

It is important to distinguish between physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and refusing medical treatment.  Physician-assisted suicide involves a physician prescribing lethal drugs or other means for a patient with the knowledge that the patient intends to use the prescription to commit suicide.  Refusing medical treatment is the act of refusing treatment expected to prolong or preserve human life.  Therefore, refusing a ventilator, or some other life-sustaining medical treatment is not assisted suicide and is legal in all states.  The intent of refusing medical treatment is not to end life, but to allow nature to take its course if the burden of the treatment is disproportionate to its medical benefit.  However, the intent of physician-assisted suicide is to actively help a patient end his life.

Euthanasia

Euthanasia is the act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition, as by lethal injection or the suspension of medical treatment with the intent to kill the patient.

Involuntary Euthanasia

Involuntary euthanasia is the act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or incurable condition with the intent to kill, without the patient's consent.

For More Information

www.nightingalealliance.org is the most comprehensive website on information related to assisted suicide and euthanasia.  We highly encourage you to visit the site to learn more.

www.nrlc.org/euthanasia/index.html is our national affiliate and has very accurate and reliable information on end-of-life issues including assisted suicide and euthanasia.  You can also find a "Will to Live" that is recognized by Kentucky law here.  The "Will to Live" is an medical advanced directive developed from the sanctity of human life perspective.  We encourage you to use this "Will to Live" for your medical advanced directive needs.

www.wesleyjsmith.com is the site of a bioethicist and popular writer who has the ability to convey very clearly the often difficult and complex issues surrounding medical ethical questions.