Since the distinction between active and passive euthanasia leads to confusion, it seems more judicious to opt for the classification of euthanasia which is based on the will of the patient. This may fall into one of three categories.
Firstly, voluntary euthanasia is described as the fact that the doctor puts an end to a patient’s life according to the will of competent patient or to the patient’s advance directive.
Secondly, non-voluntary euthanasia concerns cases whereby the doctor decides, with or without consultation with the patient’s family, on behalf of the patient who has not expressed the will on this matter because the patient is either incompetent or has ignored to do so. The doctor often decides whether certain patients should be required to be artificially resuscitated or not.
Thirdly, involuntary euthanasia means euthanasia which is administrated against the wish of the patient.