What is the essence of the concept of assisted suicide?

The essence of the concept of assisted suicide lies in the idea of providing aid to someone who wants to end their life in a manner that is painless and in alignment with their wishes. This practice typically involves a person who is terminally ill or suffering from intolerable pain, and who has explicitly requested assistance in ending their life. The focus is on the individual’s autonomy and choice, emphasizing the ethical principle that individuals should have the right to decide the timing and manner of their own death when faced with unbearable suffering.

In contrast to the correct understanding of assisted suicide, the other options illustrate different concepts. Forcing someone to end their life against their will directly contradicts the fundamental principle of consent that underpins assisted suicide. Assisting someone in living through their suffering or providing counseling about afterlife choices does not relate to the act of ending one’s life but rather presents supportive measures for coping with life’s challenges or dealing with grief. These distinctions clarify that the essence of assisted suicide centers on voluntary assistance to die, distinguishing it from other interventions involving life or death decisions.