assisted suicide
Assisted suicide is a practice where a person receives help from another individual, often a medical professional, to end their own life. This is typically sought by individuals facing terminal illnesses or unbearable suffering, who wish to have control over their death. The process usually involves the prescription of lethal medication that the individual can take voluntarily.
Laws regarding assisted suicide vary widely across different regions. In some places, such as Oregon in the United States, it is legal under specific conditions, while in others, it remains illegal and can lead to criminal charges. The topic raises ethical debates about autonomy, suffering, and the role of healthcare providers.