Euthanasia is a controversial topic that has generated ethical, moral and legal debates around the world. The term "euthanasia" comes from the Greek "eu" (good) and "thanatos" (death), and refers to the action of causing the death of a patient suffering from an incurable disease to avoid unnecessary suffering. . There are different types of euthanasia, each with its own characteristics and ethical implications. In this article, we are going to explore the 6 most common types of euthanasia and explain what each one consists of.
1. Active euthanasia
Active euthanasia refers to the deliberate action of causing the death of a patient in order to end their suffering. This may involve the administration of a lethal dose of medication by a health professional or by the person themselves, in the case of assisted euthanasia. Active euthanasia is illegal in most countries as it is considered an act of homicide, although in some places it is allowed under certain specific circumstances.
2. Passive euthanasia
Passive euthanasia involves the suspension of medical treatments that keep the patient alive, such as assisted ventilation or artificial feeding. In this case, the disease is allowed to run its natural course without actively intervening to prolong the patient's life. Passive euthanasia raises ethical questions about whether it is morally acceptable to stop providing treatment to a terminally ill patient.
2.1. Treatment discontinuation
Treatment discontinuation is a specific form of passive euthanasia in which medications or devices that keep the patient alive, such as artificial respirators or intravenous feeding systems, are removed. This decision is usually made when the patient no longer responds to treatments and their quality of life is severely affected.
2.2. Not starting treatment
Another form of passive euthanasia is not starting medical treatment that could prolong the patient's life, especially in cases of terminal illnesses where the prognosis is gloomy and the treatment would only serve to prolong the life of the patient. patient suffering without offering a real cure.
3. Voluntary euthanasia
Voluntary euthanasia occurs when a mentally competent patient requests to end his or her life due to a terminal illness or unbearable suffering. In this case, the patient makes the conscious decision to die and requests the help of a health professional to provide them with the necessary means to do so. Voluntary euthanasia raises serious ethical dilemmas, since it implies respecting the patient's autonomy in the face of life and death.
4. Involuntary euthanasia
In contrast to voluntary euthanasia, involuntary euthanasia occurs when the patient is unable to make decisions for himself, either because he is unconscious or because he suffers from a mental illness that prevents him from expressing himself. your wishes. In these cases, the decision to end the patient's life falls on the medical team or family members, which raises serious ethical concerns about respect for the life and autonomy of the individual.
5 . Indirect euthanasia
Indirect euthanasia refers to the administration of palliative treatments to relieve the pain and suffering of a terminally ill patient, although it is known that such treatments could hasten their death. In this case, the main objective is to improve the patient's quality of life and alleviate their symptoms, although it is accepted that this may result in a shortening of their life. Indirect euthanasia is considered ethically acceptable, since the main purpose is to alleviate the patient's suffering and not intentionally cause their death.
6. Assisted Suicide
Assisted suicide is a type of euthanasia in which a doctor provides the necessary means for a patient to end their life on their own. Unlike active euthanasia, where it is the doctor who directly administers the lethal medications, in assisted suicide it is the patient himself who ingests the medications prescribed by the doctor to end his life. This practice raises ethical dilemmas similar to voluntary euthanasia, since it implies respecting the autonomy of the patient and their right to decide about their own life and death.
In conclusion, euthanasia is a complex issue that raises opinions found in society and raises important ethical and legal questions. Each type of euthanasia has its own characteristics and implications, and it is essential to carefully analyze each case to determine whether or not intervention to end a patient's life is justified. The discussion on euthanasia will continue to generate debates in the medical, legal and ethical spheres, and it is crucial to approach this issue with sensitivity and respect for human dignity.