Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin
"Harm" is an awfully difficult word to define.
At some point, wouldn't not carrying out the express wishes of the patient when they have a very painful death approaching and a no hope terminal diagnosis actually be harmful? No. They can commit suicide without the help of a physician. It's been done for millennia.
I responded "maybe, depends on the illness" for the record. I don't think physician assisted suicide should be available for anyone without a terminal diagnosis and a short amount of time to live. Once the decision is made, it's awfully tough to reverse course. Also, I don't want anyone with mental illness to think of physician assisted suicide as a means to deal with the symptoms of their illness.
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The physician's job is not to carry out every wish of the patient. That does not constitute harm.