Sandra Bem, Feminism, assisted suicide and euthanasia

Résumé

The current article presents the debates on the suicide of pioneering feminist and psychologist, Sandra Bem. For many, that is the essence of a good death – exercising autonomy, exiting with dignity, at a time of her choosing, with the company of family and friends, while she remained herself – still a person, and even better, still the same person. The manner of her death, by suicide, is somehow consistent with the pioneering quality and originality of her life and work, and dramatically raises the issue of choice at the end of life. What is abundantly clear is that debate over voluntary euthanasia and physician- assisted suicide revolves round the very issues on which feminists have focussed: rights of self-determination, autonomy, physician's duties of beneficence and caring, the importance of context and differences of power and resources. Sandra Bem's work and life and death ensure these vital questions remain on the current agenda. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved) SUICIDE-ASSISTÉ EUTHANASIE ÉTUDE-CAS AUTONOMIE DÉMENCE