Physician-assisted dying

By M. Pabst Battin, Timothy E. Quill

Subjects: Assisted Suicide, Moral and ethical aspects, Medizinische Ethik, Right to die, Patients, Terminal care, moral and ethical aspects, Aspect moral, Palliative Care, Sterbehilfe, Palliatieve behandeling, Palliative treatment, Soins aux mourants, Right to Die, Suicide assiste, Traitement palliatif, Soins palliatifs, Satisfaction, Euthanasie, Euthanasia, Droit de mourir, Assisted suicide, Terminal care, Droit a la mort, Patient satisfaction, Soins en phase terminale, Satisfaction patient, Stervensbegeleiding, Aide au suicide

Description: In this volume, a distinguished group of physicians, ethicists, lawyers, and activists come together to present the case for the legalization of physician-assisted dying, for terminally ill patients who voluntarily request it. To counter the arguments and assumptions of those opposed to legalization of assisted suicide, the contributors examine ethical arguments concerning self-determination and the relief of suffering; analyze empirical data from Oregon and the Netherlands; describe their personal experiences as physicians, family members, and patients; assess the legal and ethical responsibilities of the physician; and discuss the role of pain, depression, faith, and dignity in this decision. Together, the essays in this volume present strong arguments for the ethical acceptance and legal recognition of the practice of physician-assisted dying as a last resort -- not as an alternative to excellent palliative care but as an important possibility for patients who seek it.