Active euthanasia refers to the intentional act of ending a person's life to relieve them from suffering, typically in cases of terminal illness or severe pain. This practice involves administering a lethal substance or intervention, distinguishing it from passive euthanasia, where life-sustaining treatments are withheld or withdrawn. The legality and ethical considerations surrounding active euthanasia vary by country and region. In some places, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, it is permitted under strict guidelines, while in others, it remains illegal and is a subject of ongoing debate among medical professionals, ethicists, and lawmakers.