The Ethical Question: Physician Assisted Suicide

Abstract

Topices in CME guide include 1) definitions; 2) withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment; 3) patient self-determination; 4) nonmaleficience and beneficence; 5) the relief of pain and suffering; 6) potential for abuse; 7) slippery slope; 8) suggested readings and self-assessment. Participants are George Annas, Ph.D., J.D., Director, Law, Medicine and Ethical Program, Boston University, Boston, MA; Timothy Quill, M.D., Physician and Author, "Death and Dignity: A Case of Individualized Decision Making" NEJM 1991; 324: 691-694; and Mark Siegler, M.D., Director of Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, Prtizker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL