Gerontological Issues



Gerontological Issues

Answer 01

The moral and constitutional issues surrounding physician-assisted suicide have been extensively debated. We suggest that the practical issues involved in implementing laws allowing physician-assisted suicide are substantial and should be part of the ongoing debate. If physician-assisted suicide is to become part of standard medical practice in the United States, we must begin to resolve the difficulties associated with its practical application. Future legislation must be carefully drafted in view of new information about these issues to avoid pitfalls, such as setting unrealistic expectations about the accuracy of prognosis. Professional societies will need to cooperate to develop ...