Euthanasia is defined as granting a painless death to a hopelessly ill patient with a non-curable disease. There are several types of euthanasia including active, passive, voluntary, non-voluntary, and involuntary. Some countries that have legalized euthanasia include the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Other countries like the UK, Spain, and Scotland continue public debates around legalizing euthanasia.

1. Euthanasia
“Granting painless death to a hopelessly ill patient with a non-curable disease.”
Euthanasia word was taken from Greek letters which means “Good death. It is also called mercy killing or assisted
suicide. It is intentional killing of a dependent person for his alleged benefit.
Types of Euthanasia
1. Active Euthanasia: This is generally understood as the deliberate action of a medical professional or
layperson to hasten a patient's death.
2. Passive Euthanasia: This is generally understood as a patient's death due to actions not taken by a
medical professional or layperson—actions that would normally keep the patient alive.
3. Voluntary Euthanasia: This occurs at the request of the person who dies.
4. Non-Voluntary Euthanasia: This refers to when a patient is unconscious or otherwise mentally unable
to make a meaningful choice between living and dying, and a legal surrogate makes the decision on the
patient's behalf.
5. Involuntary Euthanasia: This occurs when a patient's death is hastened without the patient's consent.
While generally viewed as murder, there are some instances in which the death may be viewed as a
"mercy killing.
Where Euthanasia is practiced Legally:
Several countries have legalized or are considering the legalization of Euthanasia. These countries are:
1. The Netherlands: Euthanasia and assisted suicide have long been legal in the Netherlands and is often
practiced without the consent of the patient. Over 10,000 citizens now carry "Do Not Euthanize Me"
cards in case they are admitted to a hospital unexpectedly.
2. Canada: It was legalized in 2009.
3. Switzerland: The Swiss Supreme Court recently issued a decision stating that chronically depressed and
mentally ill people have a right to assisted suicide.
4. Belgium: Assisted suicide is legal.
5. United Kingdom: Efforts to legalize assisted suicide were defeated in the House of Lords in the spring
of 2006. Debate continues, however. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is asking for
permission to directly kill newborns with disabilities. The College cites factors such as whether the
baby is wanted by the parents and whether euthanasia will assist parents in careers or having the
ability to make a contribution to society. They also argue that euthanasia will cut down on the number
of late-term abortions.
6. Spain: The Prime Minister of Spain is calling for assisted suicide to be legalized.
7. Columbia: There are no restrictions on assisting a person to die.
8. Luxembourg: The country of Luxembourg legalized assisted suicide and euthanasia in February of
2008.
9. Scotland: Debate rages in Scotland where attempts are being made to legalize assisted suicide.

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