What is Physician-

assisted suicide? Is it Physician-

morally
reprehensible?
Assisted
There is a reason that
this is such a debated
Suicide
issue. Some people may
find these two Identifying the Underlying
perspectives in conflict Ethical Issues
with one another on this
issue. Which one should
take precedence? Should
patients enjoy their final
moments with family and
friends? Or is the cost of
healthcare in the United
States damaging to those
family bonds?
 Arguments Against PAS:
The human life has intrinsic worth

 Morally wrong to commit suicide,

What is Physician-Assisted
Suicide (PAS)?
Physician-Assisted Suicide involves
the use of a lethal, self-administered
drug with the purpose of ending a
patient’s life. The patient must be
terminally ill, and consent to take
the drug.
It is important to note that PAS is
NOT the same as euthanasia.
How does the drug work?
The patient will take a dose of a
barbiturate (generally Seconal or
Nembutal) that causes a coma to
occur within 5 minutes. Seconal is
usually ingested with food. The
patient will become deceased shortly
after the coma transpires.
even with the assistance of a
medical professional.
 Terminally ill patients can still enjoy
experiences in their final moments
of life, and these should not be
missed.
 Potential for an inaccurate
prognosis on the length of the
remainder of a patient’s life.
o There have been cases of
patients who were told they
would only have a few
months to live, and
miraculously were able to
recover and live for many
years afterward.
Arguments for PAS:
Everyone should have the freedom
to make personal decisions
 If you can choose when and how your
life ends, it can make you feel in
control and retain dignity.
 Avoid pain and suffering leading up to
an inevitable death.
 Considered more humane.
 End of life care is costly.
o Patients feel this is a burden
to family and friends.
o Can lead to damaged
emotional health and worry
during remaining life.