A role for doctors in assisted dying? An analysis of legal regulations and medical professional positions in six European countries

Bosshard, G., Broeckaert, B., Clark, D., Materstvedt, L.J., Gordijn, B. and Müller-Busc, C. (2008) A role for doctors in assisted dying? An analysis of legal regulations and medical professional positions in six European countries. Journal of Medical Ethics, 34, pp. 28-32. (doi: 10.1136/jme.2006.018911)

Abstract

An extensive debate about assisted suicide and euthanasia has been taking place in westernized countries during the last twenty years. Traditionally, the medical profession has maintained a clear distance from euthanasia and assisted suicide, but this distance can no longer be justified by simply referring to the law. This paper analyses the legal and, in particular, medical professional positions with respect to the doctor’s role in assisted dying in certain Western European countries (Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom) and discusses their implications for doctors.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Clark, Professor David
• Authors: Bosshard, G., Broeckaert, B., Clark, D., Materstvedt, L.J., Gordijn, B., and Müller-Busc, C.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: Journal of Medical Ethics
• Publisher: BMJ Group
• ISSN: 0306-6800
• ISSN (Online): 1473-4257
• Published Online: 21 January 2008
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © BMJ Group
• First Published: First published in Journal of Medical Ethics 34 : 28-32
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.