Critical comparisions of morally based and empirically verifiable arguments for and against euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Résumé

Arguments for and against euthanasia and assisted suicide are crtically reviewed. Most arguments in favour of active euthanasia are based upon religious or ethical values; whereas most arguments against euthanasia may be validated by empirical evidence. Difficulties in generalizing from experiences with sanctioned euthanasia in the Netherlands are discussed as well as the phenomenon in the United-states of choosing death "with the help of" a physician by persons capable of committing suicide independently. It is argued that in a premature death the freedom to change one's mind may be compromised by social pressures to die at the arranged time and place. ARGUMENT EUTHANASIE PAYS-BAS ÉTATS-UNIS DÉFINITION ÉTHIQUE QUALITÉ-VIE JURIDIQUE VALEUR ABUS AMBIVALENCE SUICIDE-ASSISTÉ