ASSISTED DEATH Meaning and
Definition
-
Assisted death refers to the practice of intentionally aiding and facilitating the death of an individual who is suffering from an incurable and debilitating illness or severe physical pain. This term encompasses various forms of end-of-life assistance, such as euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.
Euthanasia involves a deliberate act, typically performed by a healthcare professional, to directly administer a lethal dose of medication to end a patient's life. It may be conducted at the patient's explicit request (voluntary euthanasia) or when their consent cannot be obtained but their suffering is considered unbearable (non-voluntary euthanasia).
On the other hand, physician-assisted suicide involves a medical practitioner prescribing a lethal medication to a competent patient, who then self-administers it to achieve a peaceful death. The patient retains control over the time and manner of their own death.
The concept of assisted death raises significant ethical, moral, and legal debates. Advocates argue that it provides a compassionate option to alleviate the suffering of individuals with incurable illnesses, allowing them to die with dignity and avoid prolonged pain and distress. Opponents, however, express concerns about the potential for misuse, the erosion of the sanctity of life, and the impact on vulnerable populations.
The legality and availability of assisted death vary across different jurisdictions and are subject to significant legal and ethical regulations. Strict safeguards and criteria are usually established to ensure proper assessment, informed consent, and protection of vulnerable individuals.
Common Misspellings for ASSISTED DEATH
- zssisted death
- sssisted death
- wssisted death
- qssisted death
- aasisted death
- azsisted death
- axsisted death
- adsisted death
- aesisted death
- awsisted death
- asaisted death
- aszisted death
- asxisted death
- asdisted death
- aseisted death
- aswisted death
- assusted death
- assjsted death
- assksted death
- assosted death
Etymology of ASSISTED DEATH
The word "Assisted Death" is a term that describes a specific action or process whereby someone provides assistance to another person in carrying out their own death, typically in cases of terminal illness or extreme suffering.
The etymology of the term is derived from the combination of two words: "assisted" and "death".
- The word "assisted" is derived from the Latin word "assistere", which means "to stand by" or "to help". It entered the English language in the early 17th century and refers to the act of providing aid, support, or help to someone.
- The word "death" derives from the Old English word "dēaþ", which has Germanic roots. It is associated with the end of life, the permanent cessation of vital functions, and the concept of mortality.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
