Year: 1993 Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal, v.148, no.10, (May 1993), p.1699-1702 SIEC No: 20052062

This article summarizes the arguments & beliefs about euthanasia & physician-assisted suicide that predominate in literature & suggests rules for debating these issues. The main arguments & beliefs for euthanasia are: patients relief of suffering, suffering is worse than death, physicians respect for patientÕs choice, autonomy is paramount, patientÕs self-determination must be respected, compassion, suffering must be relieved. Arguments & beliefs against euthanasia are: life is sacred, abuse is inevitable, harm to patients, harms outweigh benefits, & implementation difficulties. (LC) (11 refs)