The subject of this diploma paper is the study of the historical development of euthanasia and assisted suicide around the world, religious, ethical and philosophical issues that are associated with them and their current legal status in certain countries in the world. Through the study of various sources, including some empirical scientific studies, arguments in favor and against their legalization are presented. Focus is put on countries that allow active euthanasia and assisted suicide because passive euthanaisa is much more common and presents a less controversial form of euthanasia. There is a tendency of increased liberalization of regulation in this legal field because empirical studies about the practice of performing active euthanasia and assisted suicide in countries with a long history of performing them, such as the Netherlands, do not show significant cases of their abuse. Taking into consideration that most religions have a negative attitude towards euthanasia and assisted suicide, it is hard to expect such liberalization to happen soon in countries where certain religions have great influence and representation in society. The concept of so-called death tourism is presented as a situation where people residing in countries where euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal travel to countries where they are legal, such as Switzerland or the Netherlands, in an attempt to realize their desire to die.