Effort to aid chronic-pain patient ends in suicide

Article Abstract:

A New York man with chronic back pain committed suicide in September 1996 after he was told to visit an emergency medical department to procure pain medication. The patient, David Covillion, had been treated by Dr. William Hurwitz until August 1996, when the Virginia Medical Board revoked Hurwitz's license on the grounds that he endangered patients. Two of Hurwitz's previous patients died of drug overdoses. Hurwitz asked the American Medical Association to help Covillion after Hurwitz lost his license, but Covillion died before seeing another doctor.

Social aspects, Management, Health care industry, Practice, Ethical aspects, American Medical Association, Intractable pain, Covillion, David, Hurwitz, William

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AMA report: third-trimester abortions 'rarely necessary.'(American Medical Association)

Article Abstract:

The Board of Trustees of the American Medical Assn has submitted a report that disapproves of third-trimester abortions except in cases of fetal abnormalities that are potentially life-threatening. The report calls for restrictions on 'partial birth abortion' on scientific and ethical grounds. Drawn up with the advice of specialists and professional groups including the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the report makes no mention of proposed laws to ban the procedure.

Administration of Public Health Programs, Health Programs, Reports, Social policy, Public health, Abortion, American Medical Association. Board of Trustees

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Physicians in family struggle over suicide

Article Abstract:

Physiatrist Gerald Klooster Jr. is battling other family members over legal custody of his father, Gerald Klooster Sr, whom the younger Klooster fears will commit suicide with the aid of Jack Kevorkian. The elder Klooster has Alzheimer's disease. Kevorkian's attorney, Geoffrey Fieger, said in a newspaper interview that the family rancor would preclude Kevorkian's involvement.

Laws, regulations and rules, Services, Physicians, Medical professions, Family, Kevorkian, Jack, Klooster, Gerald, Jr., Klooster, Gerald, Sr.

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