Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie
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In medicine and law the ethical values confront one another: "death with dignity" ("allowing to die") versus the "right to life" ("preservation of life"). An individual's right to self-determination conflicts with the physician's obligation to preserve life. The problematic is discussed from the standpoints of both medicine and law, and current developments in the medical profession and legal practice are presented.
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Euthanasia is as culpable homicide guilty (murder), counselling or aiding suicide however not. The patient has the right to take own decisions concerning the treatment which could unduly prolong the death process.