title: A perspective on physician-assisted dying.
abstract: This article discusses legalization of physician-assisted dying. Already much of the public is in favor of it, as are many physicians. Recent court decisions have so highlighted the diversity of thought on this issue that many people question whether there needs to be an absolute right or wrong. Patients who are dying slowly and painfully know that unnecessary suffering is being forced on them by conservative elements in our society. They feel that their desire for relief and for greater dignity and autonomy should receive more respect.
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. charles.mckhann@yale.edu
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: McKhann
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D009922:Oregon; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010819:Physician's Role; D012945:Social Values; D017236:Suicide, Assisted / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States