The core notion of euthanasia in its primordial beginnings

This article provides a brief review of the history of euthanasia, which has always been an ethical, social, legal and medical issue. Euthanasia, meaning “good death” refers to the practice of ending a life to relieve pain and distress. The term was already known in ancient Greece, from the time of Plato, who advocated the suppression of those who were not healthy “of body and soul”. Completely different was the thinking of Hippocrates, who mentioned it in his oath, laying the foundation for modern medical ethics based on absolute respect for the person and human life. Recognizing the growing interest in the topic, this writing succinctly outlines the historical evolution of the concept of euthanasia limited to its origins.