Physician-assisted suicide

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Physician-assisted suicide

Physician-assisted suicide refers to a practice by which physicians provide the means for a person to voluntarily cause his or her own death. This is usually done by prescribing lethal doses of medication. Although indirectly participating in the person's death, the physician does not directly cause the death. Oregon is currently the only state in the United States to legalize physician-assisted suicide.

A person with a terminal illness may think about physician-assisted suicide. Among the factors that may cause a person to consider ending his or her life are pain, depression, and fear of becoming dependent on others. A person who is dying may be concerned about being a burden to others and may not realize that loved ones want to provide care as an expression of love and as part of their own healthy grieving.

Often when a person with a terminal illness considers physician-assisted suicide, his or her physical or emotional symptoms are not being managed effectively. Symptoms associated with the dying process (such as pain, depression, or nausea) can be controlled. Talk to your health professional and family about your symptoms, especially if these symptoms are so bothersome you are considering ending your life.

Credits

Last updated:	July 14, 2008
Author:	Bets Davis, MFA
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Shelly R. Garone, MD - Palliative Care
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC