Euthanasia--definition, dangers and alternatives.
There is as yet (1992) no law specifically allowing euthanasia, the active intervention to end a patient's life. The discussion has so far been restricted to such action as taking place at a patient's request, but evidence from the Netherlands appears to show that the move to involuntary euthanasia is a real danger. Palliative medicine offers appropriate treatment for relief and support where limits are set on interventions that would no longer be in a patient's best interests. It is possible to relieve distress by using the increasing knowledge in this field. It is important to distinguish this from euthanasia and the term "passive euthanasia" is confusing and unfortunate. Those with extensive experience in the treatment of advanced cancer have much to share with practitioners in other specialties, not least in the possible achievements of both patient and family at the end of life. Society has the responsibility for including them in its concern to the end of life and for supporting those who find it difficult to believe in any meaning in their existence.
Saunders
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St Christopher's Hospice, Sydenham, London, United Kingdom.
D005065:Euthanasia; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D012945:Social Values; D013727:Terminal Care