An Analysis of Arguments for and Against Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: Part one

This article provides an overview of the debate regarding euthanasia & assisted suicide. Issues of empowerment, autonomy, rational suicide, & ignoring patients’ wishes are discussed. The author concludes that once one adopts an autonomy-centered view of human life & the notion of personal ownership of one’s body, arguments in favor of suicide, assisted suicide, & euthanasia seem logical. (62 refs) (SC)