The Euthanasia Controversy. Decision-Making in Extreme Circumstances

In this letter to the editor, the authors respond to a hypothetical case describing a 34-year-old paraplegic woman with breast cancer who requested medical assistance to die after a failed attempt at discharge (see SIEC #950195). They argue that this case illustrates a failure of simple palliative care – the family was not ready to deal with the basic physical needs of the patient. Zalcberg & Buchanan state that this case should not be used to suggest support for euthanasia. (2 refs.)