Definition/explanation of the issue
Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) happens if a physician facilitates the death of a person by providing essential information that enables the patient to perform a life-ending act. For example, physicians can provide sleeping pills or can provide essential information about the lethal dose. According to opinion 5.7 in the code of medical ethics of AMA, conducting PAS is not compatible with the primary duty of physicians which is providing treatment to save lives (Ama-assn.org, 2020). This process is quite difficult to control and can pose risks in society. This process is only applicable to those persons who are suffering from extreme distress such as patients with painful illnesses with low life expectancy. Different states and Washington DC have various laws regarding this that are known as Death with dignity laws. This includes the end of life options act in California and the Death of dignity act in Washington DC. These laws allow mentally competent residents who have a terminal illness and have 6 or a few months to live (Deathwithdignity.org, 2020). These laws and legislations ensure that care seekers must be a driving force during the discussion of end of life care. The laws safeguard the interest of patients and it is essential for physicians to confirm the diagnosis, prognosis, and mental competence before involving them in decision-making regarding this process (Emanuel, Onwuteaka-Philipsen, Urwin & Cohen, 2016).
Future expectation/changes
At present, there are some gaps in PAS related regulations which must change in the future. As stated by Ganzini & Back (2016), physicians are still facing ethical dilemmas to decide about the implementation process of PAS. Current regulation of US states, where PAS is legally allowed, has not mentioned any particular process of implementing this action. It means that the events until the death of the patient have not been determined which can enhance ethical dilemmas in physicians. In the future, this regulation may include a particular implementation process to reduce ethical dilemmas regarding PAS. On the other hand, this change can reduce the worries and agony in the family members and the patients as they will know the process and will get the opportunity for mental preparation.
Moreover, Emanuel et al. (2016) have mentioned that there is no clear guideline about helping physicians to be prepared mentally for administering lethal medicine. As a result, their mental health is being impacted as they are feeling guilty after performing this practice. This situation must be changed in the future. There must be a well-defined guideline for helping physicians about the appropriate way to deal with ethical dilemmas.
It is obvious that PAS can be legal in many other states of the US and other countries. At those places, the main actors of the healthcare sector must be encouraged by the concerned government about sharing resources and information regarding the process of PAS and associated laws. As stated by Ganzini & Back (2016), gaps in communication can create confusion among patients and their family members who got permission for PAS. Hence, there must be a clear policy that can facilitate timely communication between patients, their family members, and physicians regarding access to PAS. This change can help this process remain transparent in the future.
Reference list
Ama-assn.org (2020), Code of medical ethics, Retrieved on 2nd December 2020 from https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ethics/physician-assisted-suicide
Deathwithdignity.org (2020), Death with dignity acts, Retrieved on 2nd December 2020 from https://www.deathwithdignity.org/learn/death-with-dignity-acts/
Emanuel, E. J., Onwuteaka-Philipsen, B. D., Urwin, J. W., & Cohen, J. (2016). Attitudes and practices of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Jama, 316(1), 79-90. Retrieved from: https://preview.thenewsmarket.com/Previews/JOUR/DocumentAssets/440789.pdf
Ganzini, L., & Back, A. L. (2016). The challenge of new legislation on physician-assisted death. JAMA internal medicine, 176(4), 427-428. Retrieved from: https://www.ncmedsoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Challenge-of-New-Legislation-on-Physician-Assisted-Death-Ganzini-JAMA-Int-Med-2016.pdf
