Recent developments in attitudes towards different forms of euthanasia and suicide are reviewed on the basis of a number of case studies. Particular attention is given to one specific type of suicide, which displays the characteristics of euthanasia. The author discusses the possible forms that medical attendance in these specific cases can take, in the light of growing doubts about the validity of            the tenet that every potential suicide case requires treatment as a patient, for the purpose of  preventing of any attempt at self-destruction (if necessary by means of forced hospitalization). An outline is given of the emotional, ethical, juridical and material aspects, as well as the rights and duties of the parties involved (persons seeking assistance, those who provide it, the authorities and society at large). An attempt is made to inventory the requirements that medical attendance should need with respect to this specific type of suicide.