End of life: Expert care and support, not physician‐hastened death. (22nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Masdeu, Joseph C.; Aksamit, Allen J.; Carver, Alan C.; Foley, Kathleen M.; Kass, Joseph S.; Martin, Raymond A.; McCusker, Elizabeth A.; McQuillen, Michael P.; Mehanna, Raja; Payne, Richard; Victor, Stephen J.; Warach, Steven
• Is Part Of: Neurology. Volume 93:Number 17(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-22
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurologie -- Périodiques; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008356
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-3878

Abstract

Abstract : In legal physician-hastened death, a physician prescribes medication with the primary intent of causing the death of a willing terminally ill patient. This practice differs radically from palliative sedation, intended to relieve a patient's suffering rather than cause a patient's death. In this position paper, we argue that the practice of physician-hastened death is contrary to the interests of patients, their families, and the sound ethical practice of medicine. Therefore, the American Academy of Neurology should advise its members against this practice, as it had done until 2018.