Year: 1998 Source: Journal of Medical Ethics, v.24, no.5, (October 1998), p.341-344 SIEC No: 19981188

The slippery slope argument suggests that if physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is legalized, this will initiate events finally leading to involunatary euthanasia. Ryan reexamines this argument by analyzing 2 Dutch studies & 1 Australian study. He points out that Australia has a higher rate of involuntary suicide than Holland, despite the fact that PAS is legal in Holland, not Australia. Reasons for this paradox are given. Ryan suggests legalized euthanasia may make the process safer. (29 refs)