Legalization Of Euthanasia And Physician-Assisted Dying: Condemnation Of Physician Participation

Abstract

The topic of physician-assisted dying has always been a controversial topic raising a strong ethical dilemma. Currently, six states in the USA (Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Montana, California, & Colorado) have developed regulations legalizing physician-assisted dying (medical euthanasia). We propose that physicians, because of their Hippocratic oath, should be exempted from participating in it. We suggest experts in professional assisted dying (Euthanasia Specialists) be ethically, and where possible, medically trained to perform such a task when deemed appropriate.