Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics

Abstract

Euthanasia: In Defense of A Good, Ancient Word

Dragan Pavlovic, Alexander Spassov and Christian Lehmann

Background: It has been suggested that the word euthanasia should be abandoned because widespread imprecise use of the word “euthanasia” deprived it of its precise meaning.
Methods: On the basis of the primary necessary condition for euthanasia – that it be in the interests of the one who will die – we examine the use and meaning of the expression.
Discussion: We demonstrate that above suggestions rely upon flagrant misuse or inappropriate use of the word. The attention of the reader is drawn to morally problematic consequences should the expression “euthanasia” be abandoned and the argument that abandoning the term would be justified is rejected.
Conclusions: Instead of abandoning the word “euthanasia,” care should be taken to use the term correctly in the future. The original meaning of the word “euthanasia” would, thereby, be preserved and we could only benefit from the rich tradition that impregnates that ancient word.