The Practice of Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide in the United States: Adherence to Proposed Safeguards and Effects on Physicians

355 oncologists were surveyed on euthanasia & physician-assisted suicide. 53 participated in in-depth interviews. 38 of the 53 described clear-cut cases of euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. Consistent adherence with proposed safeguards was noted in only one-third of cases. While the majority of physicians seem comforted by their actions, some experience adverse consequences – regret or fear of prosecution – from having performed euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. (34 refs.)