Difference Between Euthanasia and a Living Will
In a living will, there is written documentation of a patient's wishes for medical and end-of-life decisions. This may not always be the case with euthanasia.
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Identification
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The Oxford English Dictionary describes euthanasia as a means of bringing about a gentle and easy death. The American Bar Association defines a living will as your written expression of how you want to be treated in certain medical conditions.
Types of Euthanasia
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Voluntary euthanasia is performed at the patient's consent. Involuntary euthanasia is not. Active euthanasia involves the use of direct methods to end a patient's life. Passive euthanasia involves withholding life-prolonging treatments.
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Living Will
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A living will provides instructions on types of treatment one may wish to receive in certain medical conditions. A patient may not wish to receive life-sustaining treatments if there is no significant hope of recovery. A living will only becomes operative when the patient can no longer articulate end-of-life decisions.
Euthanasia Arguments
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Euthanasia continues to be a hot button topic. Advocates argue for the right to die with dignity and oppose government involvement in end-of-life decisions. Yet opponents worry that euthanasia could eventually lead to legalized murder.
Living Will Arguments
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Living wills are a subject of similar debate. Proponents argue that the Terri Schiavo court battles could have been avoided had she had a living will. Yet opponents fear that living wills could potentially discourage doctors from performing life-saving procedures on patients who are not necessarily dying.
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