Call things
by their name
To talk about a dignified death is to talk about terms that can be confusing or, at times, contradictory depending on who uses them. At Plataforma Dignidad, we believe it is important to standardize the language to avoid ambiguities. With that purpose in mind, we suggest these initial definitions of the varied dimensions that the right to die with dignity has.
1.
Medical assistance in dying
Is an umbrella term used internationally to describe the assistance provided by medical personnel to a person who requests to end their life, generally to end the suffering caused by a serious illness or incurable medical condition. It includes the act of administering medication in lethal doses (euthanasia); or prescribing or providing medication for the person to take it themselves (physician-assisted suicide).
2.
Euthanasia
Is the procedure performed by a physician, at the express and voluntary request of an ill patient, to administer a lethal substance to cause their own death peacefully and painlessly. Euthanasia can only be active, direct, and voluntary.
3.
Physician-assisted
suicide
Is the practice carried out by a physician in which, at the express and voluntary request of an ill patient – generally, with an incurable or terminal illness – they issue a medical prescription and/or supply lethal medications so that the patient causes their own death peacefully and painlessly.
4.
Adequacy
of Therapeutic Effort
Also called "withholding or withdrawing a life-sustaining treatment". Is the practice performed by a doctor not to initiate or remove treatments that will not benefit or contribute to the recovery of the patient.
5.
Palliative care
Is the comprehensive care aimed at improving the quality of life of an ill person to treat pain, relieve suffering, and other symptoms.