Is there a place for voluntary active euthanasia in modern-day medicine?

  • Gboyega A Ogunbanjo University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
  • 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 notions such as physicianassisted suicide, assisted suicide, voluntary active euthanasia, killing versus letting die, indirect euthanasia and terminal sedation. Is there a difference if death is foreseen, but not intended? This article opens up the debate and addresses pertinent issues for the family practitioner.

Author Biographies

Gboyega A Ogunbanjo, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
FCFP(SA), MFamMed, FACRRM, FACTM Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care Faculty of Health Sciences University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), Pretoria
Donna Knapp van Bogaert, University of the Witwatersrand
PhD, DPhil Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics Faculty of Health Sciences School of Clinical Medicine University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg
Issue
Vol 55 No 1: January/February 2013
Section
Ethics CPD Supplement
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