[Assisted suicide - ethical, legal and psychiatric aspects]

Abstract

Assisted suicide has achieved an increasing importance in the international discussion of euthanasia. Developments in the Netherlands have resulted in vehement and passionate discussions. Questions of the patient's autonomy and last will have to be considered as well as the doctor's responsibility and care of the patient. When treating patients who are suicidal or express their request for an assisted suicide, the physician has to deal with a basic ethical conflict as well as his own attitudes towards suffering, disease, old age, suicide, death and the process of dying. Legal permission for a doctor's assistance with suicide is out of the question. Not even exceptional circumstances will make a difference.