Abstracts » Law

Issue of physician-assisted suicide confronted by courts and legislatures

Article Abstract:

Appellate litigation and state laws suggest that physician-assisted suicide is becoming more acceptable in the eyes of the law, but much confusion over the issue still exists. The Ninth Circuit ruled in Compassion in Dying that a Washington state law barring physician assisted-suicide violated due process rights. The Second Circuit in Quill held that competent people have a constitutional right to choose assisted suicide. The Oregon Death with Dignity Act allows physicians to prescribe lethal doses of drugs, but is bogged down by procedural rules.

Oregon

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Supreme Court upholds state statutes barring physician-assisted suicide

Article Abstract:

The US Supreme Court has ruled the Constitution does not guarantee a citizen's right to a physician's assistance in suicide, but this does not settle debate on the issue. The court's Jun 26, 1997 in Vacco v. Quill and Washington v. Glucksbergruling permits states to decide under what circumstances assisted suicide may occur. The cases only applied to competent and terminally ill patients but not to patients whose chronic pain cannot be relieved by prescribed drugs.

Offices & clinics of medical doctors, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Suicide Victims, Physicians, Medical professions, Constitutional law, Constitutional interpretation

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Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act adopted

Article Abstract:

Maine and New Mexico adopted the Uniform Health-Care Decision Act in 1995. The Act provides guidance on the appointment of healthcare agents, and the ability of family members and friends to make health-related decisions for others. Both states adopted versions of the Act that differ slightly from the original. These differences are discussed.

Medical care decision-making authority (Law), Medical care decision making authority (Law)

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