A review of physician-assisted suicide: where do you stand?
This article is intended to promote thought and discussion among nurses on the issue of physician-assisted suicide. A case study is presented to highlight some of the issues involved. A review of the literature presents medical and nursing views. The Netherlands' experience is summarized, with attention to the historical development and acceptance of assisted suicide and euthanasia in Dutch society. A review of current U.S. legal challenges follows, including decisions in Washington and New York in March and April 1996. The reader is asked to consider the ramifications of physician-assisted suicide and whether it should be an end-of-life choice.
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D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D012945:Social Values; D017236:Suicide, Assisted / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States