" I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect" -- The Hippocratic Oath

Physician-Assisted suicide is one of the most controversial issues in our society today. During the 1990's, assisted suicide has become the subject of public debate and legislative action across the nation. Even the U.S Supreme Court has been involved in critical decisions involving the legalization of Physician-assisted suicide. These matters call into question the ethical standards and legal bases for all Doctors and Health Care Providers. The American Heritage Dictionary defines euthanasia as "the act of killing an individual for reasons considered to be merciful". Killing in this case is a physical action where one individual actively kills another. The word "euthanasia" comes from the Greek eu, "good" and thanatos, "death" or "good death". Doctor assisted-suicide can be considered auto-euthanasia. The Doctor provides the means for a patient to take their own life painlessly but does not actively or physically help that person die. Doctor assisted suicide is nothing new to society, dating back to the time Socra

Court Unanimously Rules Against Doctor-Assisted Suicides

Legalization begins a process that will inevitably lead to involuntary, active euthanasia of patients who may or may not be terminally ill.

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Approximate Word count = 1528
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)