The Continuing Conflict Between Sanctity of Life and Quality of Life: From Abortion to Medically Assisted Death

The purpose of this paper is to address how analysts & commentators approach the relationship between abortion law & law governing medically assisted death, discussion of which is limited to assisted suicide & voluntary active euthanasia. Attention is directed first to legal & related analysts & commentators who oppose legalization both of abortion & of medically assisted death, & who resist application of the reasoning that supported decriminalization of abortion to medically assisted death. Second, attention is given to adherents to the pro-choice position. Consideration is then given to those who oppose liberal abortion laws but support legal assistance in dying. The reverse is then addressed. (81 refs.)