According to Rachels, "If one simply withholds treatment, it may take the patient longer to die, and so he may suffer more than he would if more direct action were taken and a lethal injection given. This fact provides strong reason for thinking that, once the initial decision not to prolong his agony has been made ________ euthanasia is actually preferable to _______ euthanasia, rather than the reverse."
A) neutral; benign
B) partial; entire
C) active; passive
D) passive; active

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rachels is referring to the difference between active and passive euthanasia. Withholding treatment is passive euthanasia, while giving a lethal injection is active euthanasia. Rachels is arguing that once the decision is made to end the patient's suffering, active euthanasia (such as a lethal injection) is preferable to passive euthanasia (such as withholding treatment), because it will result in less suffering for the patient. Therefore, the correct answer is C, active and passive euthanasia.

According to Rachels, "If One Simply Withholds Treatment, It May