Physician assisted suicide is coined by the author with the acronym PAS. Written after the legalization of PAS in the state of Oregon, the author of this book on dying with dignity concludes with remarks that haste makes waste, the patient and not the doctor should suggest PAS, and that all should be on guard for over zealousness. People can change their minds, particularly the patient. Death should have dignity and the patient should be in charge, knowing all the facts but having a choice.
What is the role of the government in euthanasia? The state of Oregon concluded it could facilitate PAS by legalizing it. A team of doctors issued a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (9 May 2001) entitled "Oregon Physicians" Attitudes About and Experiences With End-Of-Life Care Since Passage of the Oregon Death With Dignity Act". The doctors, all M.D.s, as part of this team report, concluded all was well. The biggest issue was knowledge and knowing the options. The New York State Task Force on Life and the Law included a very interesting chapter within their pages on the www.health.state.ny.us web site. Chapter 5 "The Ethical Debate" was part of the larger publication "When Death is Sought: Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in the Medical Context". The government needs to educate the people and provide organized methods to protect and preserve life. Who is being protected? What is abuse? Is abuse being forced to live or allowed to die? This web site lists the arguments and concludes it is against the law in the state of New York. The citizens of New York have a duty to follow the law. Does the law determine moral and ethical behavior? Is this a matter of personal conscience and religion? .
Researching the internet for information on euthanasia brought forth an interesting definition page. Here the terms become clearer. The surprise is that the site is www.religioustolerance.