Citation

Mureşan CO, Ciocan V, Enache A. Revista Romana de Bioetica 2013; 11(3): 58-65.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Carbon monoxide has been used as a method of suicide and execution ever since ancient times. Nowadays most deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning are accidental. Still, even in the last decades, this colourless and odourless gas has been used as a method of euthanasia and medically assisted suicide. Dr. Jack Kevorkian, pathologist, stated that he had helped more than 130 people in committing suicide, using in the vast majority of cases a cylinder with carbon monoxide attached through a hose to a facial mask (Mercitron). During World War II, carbon monoxide has been used as means of euthanasia, both in the Action T4 program (euthanasia program for the terminally ill and for persons with physical and mental disabilities) and in the Nazi extermination camps. In both cases, the extreme violation of the principles of medical ethics (disregard for the principles of personal autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence) and the failure to comply with the precepts of the Hippocratic Oath ("...measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel.... ") are noticed.

Language: en

Keywords

Euthanasia; Carbon monoxide; Medically assisted suicide; Extermination camps