p. 61519. Medical Assistance in Dying
- G. T. Laurie, G. T. LaurieProfessor of Medical Jurisprudence at the University of Edinburgh
- S. H. E. HarmonS. H. E. HarmonHonorary Fellow in the School of Law at the University of Edinburgh
- , and E. S. DoveE. S. DoveLecturer in Risk and Regulation at the University of Edinburgh
Abstract
This chapter discusses ethical and legal aspects of euthanasia and assisted dying. It first examines the non-voluntary termination of life, covering the relationship between medical treatment and assistance in dying as a matter of failure to treat, and the philosophical concept of ‘double effect’. The chapter then discusses activity and passivity in assisted dying; dying as an expression of patient autonomy; suicide and assisted suicide; physician-assisted suicide; and assisted dying in practice.
