Article Commentary: Euthanasia a Paper for Discussion by Psychiatrists

There are two factors that are focusing attention, both public and professional, on euthanasia. These are: (i) the increasing ability of medicine to maintain life; (ii) the activity of the Law Reform Commission of Canada which might result in new legislation. Euthanasia raises problems medically, legally, morally and ethically. These difficulties are placed in context and discussed. The author offers a personal opinion on euthanasia in an attempt to mobilize Canadian psychiatric opinion.