Euthanasia: a personal experience in gynecologic oncology

Euthanasia means the active causation of death by a life-shortening medical act performed on a seriously ill patient who has a concrete expectation to die. The request for euthanasia has always existed. In medical ethics the value of the protection of human life and the value of respect for the desire to die in dignity are both standards of equal order. In the process of euthanasia the wish of the patient is the most important. It is the responsibility of the doctor in attendance to keep all the personnel involved very well informed about the wishes of the patient, to prevent difficulties in the process of decision making. One has to realize that the emotional burden assumed by the doctor and nurses is very important. They become involved in the process of taking leave but have to give priority to their task as caregivers. Euthanasia can take place only as a part of terminal care which is given with much effort and personal concern.