What does the term euthanasia refer to?

The term euthanasia refers specifically to the deliberate ending of a person's life to relieve suffering, typically in cases where individuals are facing terminal illness or unbearable pain. This definition encompasses both voluntary euthanasia, where the individual consents to the action, and involuntary euthanasia, in which the decision is made without the individual's explicit consent, often in critically incapacitated individuals.

Understanding this concept is vital in discussions surrounding end-of-life ethics, patient autonomy, and the morality of clinical practices designed to ease suffering. The context of euthanasia often intersects with legal considerations, medical ethics, and the personal beliefs regarding the right to die, making it a significant subject in both healthcare and legal environments.

Other options reflect different concepts; for instance, the first option relates to life-supporting measures rather than ending life; the third option describes a psychological process following death; and the last option pertains to estate planning and distribution, which are unrelated to the ethical considerations surrounding euthanasia.