With the advances in medical technology today, it is possible to sustain the lives of those who have been severely injured in accidents, or those who are suffering from life-threatening diseases. These people are frequently left in a persistent comatose state with little hope of recovery. Many believe that individuals in such conditions, and others who have been diagnosed as terminally ill, should not have to endure great physical or psychological suffering. Euthanasia is a deliberate taking of life, with or without the victim's consent, in order to put an end to what is believed to be unnecessary and extreme suffering. It is a complex and very confusing issue and can be perpetrated either passively or actively.
Passive euthanasia is the withholding of life-saving measures for the dying person.
The Christian Medical Society states that dying begins when a person's condition rapidly and irreversibly deteriorates. Those for whom death is imminent, who are beyond reasonable hope for recovery, not to have death postponed. A patient's decision to refuse or to stop certain treatments should be respected. Active euthanasia is an act which results in the death of an afflicted person, with or without his or her consent. Note the following quotations.