[Medical profession and physician-assisted suicide]

Health care professionals, specially physicians, are frequently exposed to end of life situations that interfere with the traditional processes patient care. The right to die has become an important movement that calls for self-determination with outcomes related to the legalization of physician assisted suicide in various countries. In this paper the 1997 resolution approved by the American Medical Student Association is examined in relation to the criteria to be considered in situations of legal assisted suicide. Some arguments regarding the legalization of physician-assisted suicide as well as its impact in the contemporary practice of medicine are also identified. A description of current legislation in the area is exposed. Presently there is no legislation regarding physician-assisted suicide in Puerto Rico.