Different Types

Euthanasia can be classified in different ways, including:

  • active euthanasia - where a person deliberately intervenes to end someone's life
  • passive euthanasia - where a person causes death by withholding or withdrawing treatment that is necessary to maintain life
  • Euthanasia can also be classified as:

  • voluntary euthanasia - where a person makes a conscious decision to die and asks for help to do this
  • non-voluntary euthanasia - where a person is unable to give their consent and another person takes the decision on their behalf
  • involuntary euthanasia - where a person is killed against their expressed wishes