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Simple English definitions for legal terms

physician-assisted suicide

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A quick definition of physician-assisted suicide:

Physician-assisted suicide is when a doctor helps a person who is very sick and in a lot of pain to die peacefully. The doctor gives the person medicine to make them go to sleep and then stop breathing. This is only allowed in some countries and some states in the United States. It is never allowed if the person doesn't want it or can't say if they want it.

A more thorough explanation:

Physician-assisted suicide is a way for a person who is suffering from a painful, terminal illness to end their life with the help of a licensed medical professional. This is considered a form of active voluntary euthanasia, which is also known as a mercy killing or the "right to die." During physician-assisted suicide, a large dose of painkilling medication is given to the patient by the medical professional.

It is important to note that physician-assisted suicide is illegal in most countries because it involves one person actively causing another person's death. However, it is legal in some countries such as Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and some states in Australia. In the United States, physician-assisted suicide is not recognized as a right on the federal level, but some states have recognized the right to physician-assisted suicide through death with dignity statutes.

It is crucial to understand that physician-assisted suicide is only legal if the patient is suffering from a terminal illness and is able to consent to the life-ending measures. It is never legal if it is involuntary or if the patient is unable to consent.

An example of physician-assisted suicide is when a patient who is suffering from a painful, terminal illness such as cancer decides to end their life with the help of a licensed medical professional. The medical professional administers a large dose of painkilling medication to the patient, which causes their death.

This example illustrates the definition of physician-assisted suicide because it shows how a person who is suffering from a terminal illness can choose to end their life with the help of a licensed medical professional. It also highlights the fact that physician-assisted suicide is only legal if the patient is able to consent to the life-ending measures and is suffering from a terminal illness.

Physical incapacity | physician-patient privilege

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