ASHP Statement on Pharmacist's Decision-making on Assisted Suicide

Abstract

Consistent with the intent of the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists “to state publicly the principles that form the fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists,” the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists issues this Statement on Pharmacist Decisionmaking on Assisted Suicide. The practice of providing competent patients with pharmaceutical means of ending their lives raises issues of professional obligations to patients and to other professionals involved in patient care. We affirm the ASHP policy (9802) that supports the right of a pharmacist to participate or not in morally, religiously, or ethically troubling therapies. This Statement establishes a framework for pharmacist participation in the legal and ethical debate about the appropriate care of patients at the end of life. This Statement will help pharmacists resolve the growing questions about the ethical obligations of health care professionals to provide care and alleviate suffering. It is hoped that this framework and its use by pharmacists will virtually eliminate a patient’s request for assisted suicide. When asked to evaluate and comment on legislative, regulatory, or judicial actions or on organizational policies of health systems regarding pharmaceutical care, pharmacists should use the principles expressed in this Statement in developing their responses.