Abstract
In the face of serious and untreatable health problems, a person may start thinking that the best and probably the only way out is death. In this case, it is not a natural death, but a death caused by someone. Death can be caused either by other people or by the sick person. If the death is caused by another person, it is important that the person's actions do not contravene existing legislation. In the case of the subject in question, this can take the form of euthanasia or assisted suicide. In this article, the authors outline the legal and ethical aspects of euthanasia and assisted suicide in different countries, including cases in Estonian practice. The article presents points of departure from a debate that has been going on in Estonian society for years, some of which emphasise the need to legalise euthanasia and/or assisted suicide, while others support the belief that Estonia is not yet ready to legalise voluntary euthanasia. At present, the latter view prevails, which may also be the reason for the lack of political will.