EUTHANASIA AND PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE BETWEEN SANCTITY OF LIFE AND AUTONOMY

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present arguments which are used by parties in the dispute concerning legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide – from the point of view of neutral observer. It is important to emphasize, that the discussion on admissibility of shortening the life, has not concerned terminal illnesses only for long time now. The dispute concerning legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide is strongly connected with two basic arguments: sanctity (inviolability) of life and individual autonomy. An absolute use of primacy of one of the points causes exclusion of the other, e.g. the prohibition of death acceleration based on protection of life excludes autonomy. When any of the principle is settled as absolute, it may lead to extreme situations, e.g. lack of reduction of use of medical technologies from one hand or causing the death on request not only in circumstances of incurable or deadly illnesses, e.g. with tiredness of life. The dispute itself about the admissibility of euthanasia and assisted suicide is still unresolved. However, the changes in society and legislation will be influenced by used arguments, as the contentions are resulting from the area of knowledge and morality of physicians, patients, their families, lawyers and decision- makers.