The problem of inadequately relieved suffering.

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Palliative Care
• Bioethics

Background:

• Patient requests for euthanasia or assisted suicide often arise from severe distress and suffering.
• Hippocratic medicine mandates acknowledging, identifying causes, and relieving suffering.
• Suffering is complex, necessitating methodical assessment and diverse therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present reservations regarding the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide.
• To advocate for alternative therapeutic strategies to relieve patient suffering.
• To encourage a community focus on enhancing palliative care.

Main Methods:

• Ethical analysis of patient suffering and medical obligations.
• Review of therapeutic strategies for suffering relief.
• Argumentative approach based on existing medical principles and potential risks.

Main Results:

• Euthanasia and assisted suicide may be outside Hippocratic medicine when other relief options exist.
• Concerns include potential for human maleficence and inadequate resources for suffering relief.
• Legalization is questioned due to the availability of alternative treatments for suffering.

Conclusions:

• Focusing on improving palliative care can reduce the perceived necessity of elective death.
• Adequate relief of suffering is paramount and achievable through comprehensive care.
• Reservations about legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide are presented, advocating for enhanced suffering management.