The Final Taboo: Rethinking Death With Dignity (IN: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: the Current Debate, edited by I Gentles)

Public opinion polls show that a growing majority support euthanasia. Medical workers think that active euthanasia should remain illegal despite supporting withdrawal of treatment at a patient’s request. There is potential for corruption with euthanasia. A high proportion of caregivers for the terminally ill are worried about an erosion of patient trust should euthanasia become legal. The great majority of individuals who desire active euthanasia could be rescued by first-hand palliative care.