Before practicing medicine as a profession, doctors must take a Hippocratic Oath in which they are sworn to protect human life. Therefore, any concept which involves assisting a patient to take his own life would, on the surface, appear to be a violation of the sacred medical oath. However, with the ever-increasing numbers of terminally-ill patients, the issues aren't necessarily as black and white as they once appeared. With the increasing prominence of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, sometimes referred to as Dr. Death, many patients and medical professionals are questioning the implications of physician-assisted suicide, and whether or not such an action constitutes murder.

I. Advanced euthanasia directives including terminal care, value of life and right to die

Euthanasia comprised of the Greek words eu, which means good and thanatos, which means death. There are two basic types of euthanasia -- active and passive. Active euthanasia involves inducing a painless death to a patient (per his request) who is suffering from a terminal illness or incurably debilitating condition, with their direct consent. To date, this practice is illegal in the United States, but

"Hemlock Society: General Information." (16 Jun. 1997). http://www2.private.com/hemlock/general.html (2 Dec. 1997).

III. "Pulling the plug:" should physicians assist in euthanasia -- some opposing views

If a person wishes to retain his right to die, advance directives should be taken before a life-threatening illness commences. These include such legal documents as a living will or a health care proxy which outlines the patient's medical desires, should he become incapacitated. A power of attorney is also a recommended directive, which appoints a person (usually a family member) to act on the patient's behalf to ensure his wishes are honored ("Hemlock Society: General Information" 1997). This also includes, what is referred to as a do not resuscitate order (DNR) which is a written instruction that no resuscitation attempts should be made during cardiac arrest. This directive can come either from the patient himself or from family members involved in patient care.

Perry, Michael. "World's First Euthanasia Law Faces New Challenges." Reuters News Service. (22 Aug. 1996). http://www3.elibrary.com/search/getdoc (2 Dec. 1997).

Religious doctrines aside, an overwhelming number of people throughout the world approve of the practice of euthanasia. According to a 1996 Gallup poll, 75% of Americans believe that a patient has the right to end his own life with medical assistance ("Hemlock Society: General Information" 1996). In The Netherlands, three-quarters of its citizens approve of the practice of euthanasia. In early 1993, the Dutch government adopted Europe's most liberal euthanasia policy ("Dutch Liberalize Euthanasia Law" 1993). The law provides immunity for physicians who assist in patient-requested suicides. There are over 2,000 Dutch patients who decide to end their lives each year, and the offense still remains punishable by a 12-year prison sentence. The law also maintains that the patient must be in a lucid condition when he makes his position known, but the patient does not necessarily have to be terminally ill.

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Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)