Killing and letting die are terms used in the medical profession, particularly in relation to euthanasia. Healthcare professionals often experience discomfort when faced with the decision to “pull the plug” on a terminally ill patient who has no chance of recovery. It can be challenging to distinguish between killing and letting die, as both result in the loss of life. This article aims to clarify the differences between these two concepts.
Key Takeaways
- We often feel more guilt when we cause someone’s death, even if they are terminally ill, compared to when we simply let them die.
- There is less guilt associated with allowing a patient to die, as the cause of death is typically their underlying disease, whereas active euthanasia involves the direct actions of a physician.
- Some argue that the main difference between killing and letting die is the emotional response elicited by each situation, with more guilt experienced when we feel directly responsible for causing a death.
