What is Euthanasia?

Euthanasia involves the intentional and direct killing of a patient by a physician or another party, ostensibly for the good of the patient or others. In other words, someone administers the means of death to the patient. The most common form of euthanasia by a physician is lethal injection. The person dies of an intentional drug overdose rather than natural causes.

Euthanasia can be:

• Voluntary -- at the patient's request
  
  
• Non-voluntary -- without the knowledge or consent of the patient
  
  
• Involuntary -- against the patient's wishes