An Expanded Typology of Suicide,Assisted Suicide,and Euthanasia

Abstract

The present article proposes an expanded typology of suicide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia in doctor-patient relations. Three dimensions are distinguished: the active-passive nature of the act, the degree of doctor involvement, and the reaction of the doctor to the patient's wishes. Thirteen distinct categories emerge, each of which may be active or passive. Among these categories are: solitary suicide, disapproved suicide, observed suicide, assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia, non-voluntary euthanasia, and involuntary euthanasia. Within the observed suicide, assisted suicide, and voluntary euthanasia categories, the patient's wish to die can either be discussed, accepted, or encouraged. This article provides clinical examples of many of these categories and discusses their legal status and implications.