RECENT HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES REGARDING MEDICAL EUTHANASIA AND PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE

Medical assistance in the termination of life, whether euthanasia or a ssisted suicide, is arguably one of the most hotly debated topics as w e approach the millenium. While euthanasia has been a subject of contr oversy for thousands of years, the historical influences vis a vis the medical profession are primarily rooted in the post century. This cha pter seeks to explore some of the recent historical developments which have had an impact on the emergence of medical euthanasia and physici an assisted suicide. The objective is to juxtapose events in a way tha t relates historical Fact (and fiction) to current events and debates. Sociology, law and theology have each a view and impact in this arena ; however, they are deliberately left to the side, so as to allow For a longitudinal landscape.