Abstracts » Health

AMA to court: no suicide aid

Article Abstract:

The American Medical Association and 45 other medical groups have presented the U.S. Supreme Court with a friend-of-the-court bill opposing potential legalization of physician-assisted suicide. The American Nurses Association, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of Pain Management are among the groups which have signed their names to the bill. Opposition to physician-assisted suicide has surfaced with a fury as cases in New York, Washington and California have emerged.

Professional Organizations, Courts, Medical Associations, Supreme Court, Health care industry, Social policy, United States. Supreme Court, Medical societies

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Assisted suicide showdown headed to high court?

Article Abstract:

U.S. District Judge Michael Hogan ruled on August 3, 1995, striking down the physician-assisted suicide law passed in Oregon in November 1994. Hogan cited several weaknesses in the law that would place patients at risk from abuses, especially vulnerable, terminally ill patients. Proponents of the law expressed their disappointment with the ruling, but they agreed that some changes to the law might be necessary to address some of the weaknesses pointed out by the judge.

Oregon

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Assisted suicide or pain relief?

Article Abstract:

Physicians express divided opinions on two 1996 appellate court decisions which found little difference between assisted suicide and the administration of pain relief that may shorten the patient's life. Religious authorities and spokespersons for the American Medical Assn are among ethical experts who offer guidelines for physicians. Also, Ira Byock, of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, says that suitable doses of morphine do not hasten death.

Interpretation and construction, Physicians, Medical professions, Ethical aspects, Right to die, Analgesia

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