Is there a place for voluntary active euthanasia in modern-day medicine?

Abstract

This article discusses various ethical and legal concepts regarding euthanasia and includes notions such as physician-assisted suicide, assisted suicide, voluntary active euthanasia, killing versus letting die, indirect euthanasia and terminal sedation. Is there a difference if death is foreseen, but not intended? This article opens up the debate and addresses pertinent issues for the family practitioner.

Keywords:

• euthanasia
• voluntary active euthanasia
• physician-assisted suicide
• death