Bioethics, assisted suicide, and the "right to die"

Physician-assisted suicide is much talked about. But confusion remains as to what precisely it is, and debate continues about its ethical implications. Is physician-assisted suicide distinguishable from refusal of treatment? Is there a "right to die?" Does assisted suicide necessarily have to mean physician-assisted suicide? What is the relationship of physician-assisted suicide to end-of-life care? How should physicians deal with a request for assisted suicide? These issues are explored in this paper, along with a review of the ethical arguments for and against physician-assisted suicide. The paper concludes that society should encourage individuals not to see assisted suicide as their best option. A better policy than widespread legalization of physician-assisted suicide is to provide the necessary social support, health care including mental health care, hospice care, and compassion to those who feel they face an undignified life, or an undignified painful death. This paper is based on a presentation made at the AACP 2000 Annual Meeting, October 14, 2000.