Treating Patients who Request Assisted Suicide: a Closer Look at the Physician’s Role

This article suggests that rather than assisting in their suicide, physicians should address the needs that prompt patients to request it. In addition to relieving the physical causes of suffering, they can help patients to establish realistic hopes. The argument that these opportunities constitute compelling responsibilities is rooted in the medical traditions of beneficence, virtue, & sharing of power. 2 case histories are used as illustration. (43 refs.)