Review article
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.14.2.5
The right to die? Euthanasia from ancient times to the modern age
Nevena Aljinović
orcid.org/0000-0001-6557-2796
; University department of Forensic Science
Ana Jeličić
; Sveučilište u Splitu, Sveučilišni odjel za forenzične znanosti, Split.
Abstract
The issues of the right to life and the concept of death reflect social values, established attitudes, and dominant religious beliefs that have marked certain stages of human development throughout history. Although some countries today accept and approve euthanasia and/or assisted suicide as an enthroned sovereign right, these procedures are still among the most controversial legal and (bio)ethical issues and current debates. However, discussions about these issues are nothing new since euthanasia and assisted suicide have been present forever and are based on the assumptions of different reflections and understandings of the value of human life, suffering, and the right to a (dignified) death. This paper aims to discuss the subject of euthanasia and assisted suicide through a historical anamnesis. The genesis of this phenomenon helps us understand the circumstances that contributed to acceptance, as well as the vigorous opposition from ancient times to the modern age.
Keywords
euthanasia; medically assisted suicide; right to life; right to a dignified death; bioethics
Hrčak ID:
314475
URI
Publication date:
22.2.2024.
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