ABSTRACT
This chapter considers Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide (EAS) together. One consistency argument draws an analogy between passive and active forms of euthanasia. Doctors already make decisions to provide passive euthanasia in gravely ill patients. To be ethically consistent, they should arguably also be prepared to provide active euthanasia in similar circumstances. However, the autonomy argument in favour of EAS seems to favour euthanasia in humans rather than animals. It might be important to respect animals’ freedom or autonomy. So the principal arguments in support of EAS are actually more compelling for human than animal euthanasia. Perhaps the most compelling arguments against EAS are those that express concern for patients who are vulnerable. One concern is that if EAS is permitted, patients who are disabled, elderly or chronically ill may be coerced into requesting assistance in dying. One common argument against EAS in humans is that actively ending life is contrary to the core ethical values and norms of being a doctor.
