Euthanasia is commonly classified in several ways based on how and whether consent is given. Active euthanasia involves a deliberate action to end life, while passive euthanasia allows death to occur by withholding or withdrawing treatment. It may also be voluntary, when a competent person consents; non-voluntary, when the person cannot provide consent; or involuntary, when it occurs against the person’s wishes. A related practice, physician-assisted suicide, differs in that a doctor provides the means for death, but the patient carries out the act.
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