Final answer:
The withholding of the respirator in the case of Damon, who is terminally ill and in a vegetative state, is an example of passive euthanasia. Passive euthanasia is the withdrawal or withholding of medical treatment with the expectation of the patient's death.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario described, Damon's family is considering withholding the respirator that is keeping him alive. This decision comes after years of Damon being in a vegetative state following a severe car accident. The withholding of the respirator in this scenario is an example of passive euthanasia. Passive euthanasia involves the withdrawal or withholding of medical treatment with the expectation that the patient will soon pass away. In contrast, active euthanasia would involve taking direct action to end a person's life, such as by administering a lethal dose of medication.
It is important to note that euthanasia can also be classified in terms of consent. Voluntary passive euthanasia is when the patient has given consent for life-sustaining measures to be withheld, often through an advanced directive or living will. Nonvoluntary passive euthanasia occurs when a patient cannot consent, due to factors such as unconsciousness or an inability to communicate, and the decision to withhold treatment is made by someone else.