Mercy killing, also known as euthanasia, refers to the act of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve them from suffering, typically due to a terminal illness or severe pain. This practice is often considered in cases where individuals experience unbearable distress and have expressed a desire to die. The legality and ethics of mercy killing vary widely around the world. In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Canada, it is permitted under strict regulations, while in others, it remains illegal and is viewed as a form of homicide. The debate surrounding mercy killing involves complex moral, legal, and medical considerations.