What term describes the choice to end one's own life to alleviate suffering, especially in terminal illness?

The term that describes the choice to end one's own life to alleviate suffering, especially in the context of terminal illness, is often referred to as rational suicide. Rational suicide refers to a decision made after careful consideration, where the individual believes that the quality of life has deteriorated to such an extent that they prefer to end their life rather than continue suffering. This decision is typically made in a coherent and logical state of mind, often in the face of unmanageable pain or terminal conditions.

This contrasts with active euthanasia, which involves a medical professional directly intervening to end a person's life to relieve suffering, usually through the administration of lethal substances. While both concepts relate to the alleviation of suffering, rational suicide emphasizes the individual's personal decision-making process.

The idea of passive suicide is less commonly recognized and typically refers to situations where an individual refuses treatment that would sustain their life, rather than actively choosing to end their life. An impulsive decision implies a lack of forethought or emotional turmoil, which does not align with the careful consideration and rational thought process that characterize rational suicide. Thus, rational suicide is the most fitting term to describe the conscious choice made by an individual in the specified situation.