Voluntary Death: a Comparison of Terminal Dehydration and Physician-Assisted Suicide

Issues related to terminal dehydration & physician-assisted suicide are compared. The merits of terminal dehydration are discussed, including: self-determination for the patient, equality of access for all patients, this practice does not violate the professional integrity of physicians, & no changes in law or public policy are required. The question of whether terminal dehydration is humane is addressed & the integration of terminal dehydration into clinical practice is reviewed. (29 refs.)