active vs passive euthanasia

Active euthanasia involves intentionally causing a patient's death through direct actions, such as administering a lethal dose of medication. Passive euthanasia occurs when life-sustaining treatments are withheld or withdrawn, allowing the patient to die naturally. Both aim to relieve suffering but differ in approach: active euthanasia is proactive, while passive euthanasia involves letting death happen by not intervening. The legal and ethical perspectives on these practices vary across regions, often reflecting societal values and debates about autonomy and the sanctity of life.