Active Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide: the German Discussion

The current article surveys active euthanasia from the perspective of forensic medicine, beginning with a look at current terminology & laws pertaining to euthanasia in Germany, which are then contrasted with actual practice & general attitudes amongst the German population. The leading arguments opposing & in favor of active euthanasia are reviewed, & it is argued that Germany’s history of mass killing in the Nazi era is the most potent argument against legalizing euthanasia in Germany. Implications for the future are discussed. (72 refs)