Physician-assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia: Is it time the UK law caught up?

Journal/Book: Nurs Ethics. 1999; 6: 338 Euston Road, London, England NW1 3BH. Arnold, Hodder Headline Plc. 107-117.

Abstract: People who wish to end their lives when they consider that they cannot endure further pain and suffering cannot legally obtain help to produce a peaceful, death. The reality of practice seems to be that, covertly, physician-assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia do take place. The value of personal autonomy in issues of consent has been clarified in the courts in that a competent adult person has the right to refuse or choose alternative treatments even if death will be the outcome. This issue needs open discussion acid regulation in order to protect those vulnerable people in our society.

Note: Article Griffiths P, Univ Wales, Sch Hlth Sci, Singleton Pk, Swansea SA2 8PP, W Glam, WALES

Keyword(s): autonomy; consent; euthanasia; physician-assisted suicide

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