Voluntary Active Euthanasia: Is There Any Place for it in Modern Day Medicine?

Gboyega Adebola Ogunbanjo; Donna Knapp van Bogaert

Voluntary Active Euthanasia: Is There Any Place for it in Modern Day Medicine?

Gboyega Adebola Ogunbanjo University of Limpopo
Donna Knapp van Bogaert University of the Witwatersrand

Keywords: euthanasia, voluntary active euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, death

Abstract

This article discusses various ethical and legal concepts regarding euthanasia and includes concepts like physician assisted suicide, assisted suicide, voluntary active euthanasia, killing vs. letting die, indirect euthanasia and terminal sedation. Is there a difference if death is only foreseen but not intended? This article opens up the debate and addresses pertinent issues for the family practitioner.

Author Biographies

Gboyega Adebola Ogunbanjo, University of Limpopo

FCFP(SA), M Fam Med, FACRRM, FACTM Associate Professor & Principal Specialist Family Medicine & PHC University of Limpopo (Medunsa campus)

Donna Knapp van Bogaert, University of the Witwatersrand

PhD, D Phil Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics

Published

2008-05-08

Issue

Vol 50, No 3 - May/June 2008

Section

CPD

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