The right to die?

Euthanasia is when someone is helped to end their life because they are very sick and they will not get better. It is a subject that many people have strong feelings about: some people believe it is a good thing, and others believe it is completely wrong.

Euthanasia is illegal almost everywhere, although doctors in many countries admit that they have done it.

In the Netherlands there is an unusual situation. Euthanasia is illegal there, but doctors are not prosecuted if they follow special euthanasia guidelines.

• The story of Jose
  
  Jose was a young woman from the Netherlands. She became very sick. Despite all attempts to make her better, she kept getting sicker and sicker. Finally she chose euthanasia. This is her story.
  • Jose's story: exercises

• The Netherlands guidelines on voluntary euthanasia
  
  Information about the procedures for doctors to follow in cases of euthanasia
  • Guidelines on euthanasia: exercises
    
    
• Is euthanasia good or bad?
  
  Two doctors' opinions:
  One who thinks people should have the right to choose to die;
  One who thinks people should not have the right to choose to die.
  After reading what the two doctors think, you can check your understanding with some Quick-check questions.

The material in this unit comes from the New Internationalist issue on Ethics

Last Modified: 20 July 2000