EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia

Euthanasia

Introduction

For euthanasia, the American Medical Association takes the position that it is inconsistent with a physician's Hippocratic Oath for a physician to take a patient's life. The association distinguishes between passive euthanasia and the taking of life in the form of assisted suicide. Still, in addition to Dr. Kevorkian, some in the medical profession believe that there are circumstances under which a physician can and should assist a patient with the cessation of life.

Discussion

A presumption that someone close to the incompetent patient should make decisions for that patient provides a workable solution. Although not necessitated by libertarian theory, such surrogate ...