A good death: is euthanasia the answer?
Euthanasia--particularly active voluntary euthanasia--and assisted suicide are subjects of continuing controversy. Historical attitudes, current concerns, the situation in the Netherlands, and the positions of various medical associations are reviewed. Major arguments for and against active euthanasia are presented, with special consideration to the role that health care providers might be asked to perform should active euthanasia and assisted suicide be given societal sanction. The authors conclude that better pain management and A willingness to provide care within already established ethical and legal guidelines, not the legalization of active euthanasia and assisted suicide, are the appropriate responses to current proposals for assistance in dying.
Smith
M L
ML
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195.
Orlowski
J
J
Radey
C
C
Scofield
G
G
D001290:Attitude; D005060:Europe; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000266:history; D028601:Euthanasia, Active; D033101:Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D033242:Minors; D028681:Moral Obligations; D028683:National Socialism; D009426:Netherlands; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D006113:United Kingdom; D026712:Value of Life; D035761:Wedge Argument; D028761:Withholding Treatment; D014944:World Health Organization