Claudia Bozzaro

Institute for Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, University of Münster

Assisted double suicides (ASD) represent a phenomenon that has so far been only marginally examined in the discourse on assisted dying. Nevertheless, empirical data from countries with liberalised regulations on assisted suicide suggest that ASD is gaining in significance, both in terms of numbers and as a subject of public and ethical debate.

A characteristic feature of ASD is a complex decision-making structure: the joint decision to end one’s life is not only made within the couple, but must subsequently be coordinated, reviewed and finally implemented in consultation with at least one third party – such as a doctor or an end-of-life counsellor. Very little is currently known about the specific decision-making processes within this triadic constellation.

The lecture will first present empirical findings from case reports, which are primarily found in the public media, alongside the as yet rather limited academic literature. Building on this, the specific ethical challenges will be systematically analysed with regard to relevant ethical criteria. Among other things, the lecture will:

1. the question of how individual autonomy is assessed in a relationally structured decision-making situation.
2. Secondly, the presentation will address the potentially particular challenges relating to vulnerability and dependency relationships within the couple. Particularly in legal systems where access to assisted suicide is not restricted to those with serious illnesses, the question arises as to the extent to which emotional, social or financial dependencies may impair a partner’s freedom of choice, even in the absence of explicit external pressure.
3. Finally, the lecture will address possible implications for relatives and societal mission statements, for example with regard to notions of partnership, care and dying together.

This lecture is intended as an initial attempt to systematise the ethically relevant implications of this specific practice, which is likely to become increasingly significant in Germany in the coming years.