title: Euthanasia.
abstract: This article provides a brief review of the history of euthanasia. The problems involved in withholding or withdrawing treatment, physician-assisted suicide, and arguments for or against euthanasia are discussed. Changes in both societal and physician attitudes and practices are presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Nyman
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Eidelman
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Sprung
mesh_terms: D005060:Europe; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D028601:Euthanasia, Active; D033101:Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D009272:Persons; D012922:Social Change; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations; D035761:Wedge Argument; D028761:Withholding Treatment