euthanasia /yo̅o̅′thənā″zhə/ [Gk, eu, good; thanatos, death] , 1. the deliberate causing of the death of a person who is suffering from an incurable disease or condition. It may be active, such as by administration of a lethal drug, or passive, such as by withholding of treatment. Legal authorities, church leaders, philosophers, and commentators on ethics and morality usually distinguish passive euthanasia from active euthanasia. Passive euthanasia is now legal in Belgium, Switzerland, France, Mexico, Germany, and the states of Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Active euthanasia is now legal in Ireland, Australia, and the state of Montana. Passive and active euthanasia are now legal in the Netherlands (Holland) and Canada. Also called mercy killing. Compare assisted suicide. 2. an easy, quiet, painless death.
