Understanding Euthanasia: Laws, Controversy, and Practice

The text provides an overview of euthanasia, defining it as the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. It discusses the legality of euthanasia in different countries and provides information on the practice, including its synonyms and related questions. Additionally, the text highlights the controversy surrounding euthanasia and its prevalence in both human and veterinary medicine. Finally, it mentions specific instances of legality and availability of euthanasia and assisted suicide in certain jurisdictions.

• Euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma.
• Different countries have different euthanasia laws.
• Assisted suicide is legal in 10 jurisdictions in the US, including Washington, D.C. and the states of California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, New Mexico, Maine, and New Jersey.