Assistance in Dying: A Comparative Look at Legal Definitions

Authors

Jocelyn Downie, Dalhousie University - Schulich School of LawFollow
Mona Gupta, Université de Montréal
Stefano Cavalli, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland
Samuel Blouin, Université de Montréal

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2022

Keywords

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, Terminology, Legal Definitions

Abstract

Euthanasia, assisted suicide, medical assistance in dying, death with dignity: these and many other different terms are used around the world to capture various types of assistance in dying. This diversity in terminology can create confusion both in academic debates and in policy-making if it is unclear what type of action or inaction is intended to be captured, by whom, and under what circumstances. By defining and contrasting several terms and legal status of assistance in dying in jurisdictions authorizing it, this comparative glossary aims to lay a foundation that prevents linguistic and conceptual confusion.

Comments

© 2021 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Jocelyn Downie et al, "Assistance in Dying: A Comparative Look at Legal Definitions" (2022) 46:7 Death Studies 1547.