Euthanasia
摘要
Euthanasia is becoming a significant topic in many countries concerning the right to die in terminally ill conditions. Debates about the ethical issues surrounding euthanasia in medical practice are controversial, as they are influenced by various factors such as the physician’s intentions, the patient’s condition, societal views, and traditional cultures. Several countries permit euthanasia, and its practice varies, with or without proper guidelines. Various drugs are used in lethal combinations to facilitate assisted dying. The efficacy and safety of these medications in euthanasia are currently difficult to assess, as clinician reporting is often very low. In this entry, we detail the medicines used in euthanasia, along with accepted and rejected medical conditions and ethical considerations. Instances of euthanasia misuse have also been reported in many cases. Therefore, a clear argument is essential to identify which actions should be classified as euthanasia and which should not. To enhance understanding, changes in health care policy and medical training are necessary. We believe that a shift in attitude toward suffering can influence the choice of euthanasia and potentially mitigate its misuse.