Which term describes euthanasia performed only with the patient's explicit consent?

Which term describes euthanasia performed only with the patient's explicit consent?

• A. Euthanasia
• B. Active euthanasia
• C. Passive euthanasia
• D. Voluntary euthanasia

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that consent defines voluntary euthanasia. When the patient explicitly agrees to end their life and understands the consequences, the act is described as voluntary euthanasia. The term “euthanasia” alone is broad and can refer to any end-of-life act to relieve suffering, not necessarily with patient consent. “Active euthanasia” focuses on the method of causing death, not whether the patient consented. “Passive euthanasia” involves withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, which may or may not be with the patient’s explicit agreement. Because the phrase specifies that the patient’s explicit consent is required, the precise term is voluntary euthanasia.

The key idea is that consent defines voluntary euthanasia. When the patient explicitly agrees to end their life and understands the consequences, the act is described as voluntary euthanasia. The term “euthanasia” alone is broad and can refer to any end-of-life act to relieve suffering, not necessarily with patient consent. “Active euthanasia” focuses on the method of causing death, not whether the patient consented. “Passive euthanasia” involves withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, which may or may not be with the patient’s explicit agreement. Because the phrase specifies that the patient’s explicit consent is required, the precise term is voluntary euthanasia.