[wpietri]

For what it's worth, I believe that it's the same in the US. Direct euthanasia is definitely illegal. But palliative care that shortens life (e.g., narcotics) is fine, as is passive euthanasia.

The biggest problem I see here is that unless the patient expresses a clear desire to end treatment (either in the moment or via legal documents prepared in advance) then medical professionals must continue to treat. I think the that's a fine way to run things, but it means Americans must be very clear about what they want if they are to avoid dramatic interventions that may do very little to help them and certainly are scarring for the family.

[philwelch]

Some US states explicitly allow assisted suicide: Washington, Oregon, and Montana.

[davidw]

Oregon,for one.

[rue]

“Shortens life” isn't the same as “doesn't prolong life”, I surmise.