Abstract

AMENABAR BEITIA, José Martín. Euthanasia as an antidote to suicide. Rev. Bioética y Derecho [online]. 2019, n.46, pp.133-147.  Epub Oct 01, 2019. ISSN 1886-5887.

This paper begins by reflecting on people´s awareness of mortality and how they lie in the antechamber of their own death. It refers to several specific circumstances and motivations which lead to suicide. On the other hand, reference is made to Cioran´s ideas and philosophical stance on suicide as an existential resource which enables people to face life in better conditions. Similarly, euthanasia is considered, especially bearing in mind its close relationship to suicide, and it is observed as being the legal option of achieving that aim. This, however, can imply a flight from suicide for some sufferers while its prohibition can precipitate others towards definite self-destruction so as to escape from unbearable suffering. It is contrasted by using two illustrative cases.

Keywords : awareness of mortality; suffering; euthanasia; legal option; suicide.

        · abstract in Spanish | Catalan     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )