Assisted Suicide Compared With Refusal of Treatment: a Valid Distinction?

This paper uses 3 illustrative cases to examine leading arguments for & against the recognition of a fundamental distinction between assisted suicide & refusal of treatment. The first cases involves assisted suicide, the second involves withdrawal of artifical nutrition & hydration, & the third involves a decision to stop eating & drinking. On theoretical & practical grounds, this paper defends the position that there is a valid distinction between these practises. (29 refs.)