The position statement and its commentators: consensus,compromise or confusion?

Although see , e.g., Beauchamp TL , Davidson A . The definition of euthanasia. J M ed Philos 1979; 4: 294–312; Wreen M. The definition of euthanasia. Philos Phenom Res 1988; 48: 637 / 53.

For example, LoÈfmark R , Nilstun T . Conditions and consequences of medical futility / from a literature review to a clinical model. J M ed Ethics 2002; 28: 115–119.

For criticism of the distinction see, e.g., Rachels J . The end of life: euthanasia and morality. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1986. For support of the distinction see, e.g., Stauch M. Causal authorship and the equality principle: a defence of the acts/omissions distinction in euthanasia. J M ed Ethics 2000; 26: 237 / 41.

See e.g. Williams G . The principle of double effect and terminal sedation. M ed Law R ev 2001; 9: 41–53.

For criticism see, e.g., Doyal L . When doctors might kill their patients: The moral character of clinicians or the best interests of patients? BM J 1999; 318: 1432–1433; Singer P. Practical ethics, second edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993; and Rachels J. The end of life: euthanasia and morality. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1986. For support, see e.g., Keown J. Euthanasia, ethics and public policy: An argument against legalisation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2002; Gillon R. When doctors might kill their patients: Foreseeing is not necessarily the same as intending. BM J 1999; 318: 1431 /32.

For some similar arguments see, e.g., Farsides B . Palliative care / a euthanasia-free zone? J M ed Ethics 1998; 24: 149–150.