Problem - they can't find enough doctors willing to kill their patients.
Wesley Smith, in his blog on FirstThings - excerpt below, but hit the link for the whole story. The quotes are from one of the world's leading medical journals - the New England Journal of Medicine.
Rita Marker and I are on the case over at the Daily Caller. From, “Death Panels on Steroids:”
Now, the NEJM has given a platform for Dr. Lisa Lehmann, director of the Center for Bioethics at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and researcher Julian Prokopetz to lay out a proposal for facilitating what they call “assisted dying.” In their article, “Redefining Physicians’ Role in Assisted Dying,” the authors address what they see as a real problem: There aren’t enough doctors willing to participate in assisted suicide. As the authors state, “Many medical professionals are uncomfortable with the idea of physicians playing an active role in ending patient’s lives.” Furthermore, they explain that the American Medical Association and various state medical groups oppose legalization.
Oh dear, oh dear! What to do?
“We believe there is a compelling case for legalizing assisted dying, but assisted dying need not be physician-assisted.” And how do they suggest that this hurdle between diagnosis and prescription be overcome? Simple. Take the doctor out of doctor-prescribed suicide by setting up a government-facilitated process that will make it easier for patients to cross the River Styx. As they explain:
We envision the development of a central state or federal mechanism to confirm the authenticity and eligibility of patients’ requests, dispense medication, and monitor demand and use. Such a mechanism would obviate physician involvement beyond usual care.
Hello! I read here a lot at hvcljournal.typepad.com and glad to be here.
Posted by: redpies1941 | October 18, 2012 at 03:38 AM