AN EXPANDED TYPOLOGY OF SUICIDE, ASSISTED SUICIDE, AND EUTHANASIA

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 o f doctor involvement, and the reaction of the doctor to the patient's wishes. Thirteen distinct categories emerge, each of which may be acti ve or passive. Among these categories are: solitary suicide, disapprov ed suicide, observed suicide, assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia, non-voluntary euthanasia, and involuntary euthanasia. Within the obser ved suicide, assisted suicide, and voluntary euthanasia categories, th e 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.