Fatal sequelae of hydrogen sulphide poisoning.

Hydrogen sulphide (HS) is a toxic, colourless gas abundantly present at waste plants and sewers due to the presence of anaerobic forming organisms. Hazardous exposure via accidental, intentional or occupational contact results in endothelium disruption, cellular instability, decreased respiratory functional capacity and cardiovascular compromise with a rapidly fatal clinical course. Clinical manifestations are variable depending on the level of exposure with moderate or heavy exposure associated with rapid fatality.

Human organ transplantation--multicultural ethical perspectives.

Just as the issues of the beginning and the end of life are interlinked with a civilisation's worldview and its approach to human dignity, so too is the question of the continuation of life, through organ transplantation. The purpose of the paper is to compare European, African and Islamic approaches to this question. Indeed, Professor Amnon Carmii (First Annual Carmen Nathan Memorial Lecture, Mmabatho, 1991) has highlighted the need for multicultural analysis in medico-legal discourse.

The beginning of life--ethical perspectives.

In 1973 Judge Blackmun, in the celebrated case of Roe v Wade, stated that "we need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins". A quarter of a century later, there is indeed a need to attempt to resolve this question. This article sets out briefly ethical issues arising from medically-assisted procreation and analyses the concepts of life, personhood and the beginning of personhood.

Euthanasia: reconciling culture and human rights.

The constitutional justifiability of euthanasia will depend upon interpretation of the right to life and the right to respect for and protection of one's dignity. Pertinent issues arising hereto are: In our new value-based constitutional interpretation, what are the values underlying our multi-cultural society? Issues of death and dying are inter-linked to a civilization's world view and its approach to human dignity. Western, African and Islamic approaches will be compared.