passive euthanasia
the intentional withholding of treatment that might prolong the life of a person who is approaching death. It is distinguished from active euthanasia, in which direct action (e.g., a lethal injection) is taken to end the life. Courts have ruled that physicians do not have to try every possible intervention to prolong life, but opinions differ on where the line should be drawn. There is also controversy regarding the significance of the passive–active distinction, since both approaches result in shortening the life.