Year: 1999 Source: Omega, v.40, no.1, (1999-2000), p.1-4 SIEC No: 20000147

Provides a brief overview of the “right to die” versus “sanctity of life” debate as it pertains to physician-assisted suicide. Provides historical, biblical and contemporary perspectives of the debate: historically, it discusses Greco-Roman views on suicide; the biblical view centers on the notion that only God has the right to give and take life; the contemporary perspective highlights how certain states, in particular Oregon, have dealt with the issue of physician-assisted suicide and discusses legal developments in this area. (11 refs)