length: 776 words 2.2 double spaced pages rating: red free physician assisted suicide refers to the physician acting indirectly in the death of the patient providing the means for death. Justice, compassion, the moral irrelevance of the difference between killing and letting die, individual liberty are many arguments for pas. The distinction between killing and letting die, sanctity of life, do no harm principle of medicine, and the potential for abuse are some of the arguments in favor of making pas illegal. However, self determination, and ultimately respect for autonomy are relied on heavily as principle arguments in the pas issue. Daniel callahan, author of when self determination runs amok, is against any social policy that would allow for pas to be practiced.

Callahan believes that the argument for pas does not have a firm foundation, because self determination and mercy, the two principles that are in support of pas, may become separated 711. If mercy is seen as a core element in support of pas, why restrict pas only to those who can ask for it don't the unconscious or incompetent deserve mercy also? callahan is in opposition to the belief that the essence of human dignity is the notion that a person should be free to choose how and when they want to die. Callahan questions the absolute nature of autonomy and self determination and the extent to which these values can be applied.

Self determination by definition entails human freedom of action and respect for persons but those in support of pas want it to be restricted to those who are terminally ill. Human suffering and an individual‘s outlook on the quality of their life, are, in callahan’s opinion, subjective and there is no one standard to compare individual suffering. If we just focus on autonomy/self determination, why restrict pas only to those who are terminally ill and competent? are the incompetent less deserving of relief from suffering than the those competent individuals? if physician assisted suicide is legally permitted yet restricted to the terminally ill adult with full decision making capacity, it will certainly raise legal concerns about discrimination.

Pas will probably broaden to include incompetent, non consenting, and non–terminally ill persons. The final extreme of the slippery slope argument is that pas will be abused, run amok and ultimately become involuntary euthanasia. Physician assisted suicide refers to the physician acting indirectly in the death of the patient providing the means for death.

The distinction between killing and letting die, sanctity of life, do no harm principle of medicine, and the potential for abuse are some of the arguments in favor of making pas illegal. If we just focus on autonomy/self determination, why restrict pas only to those who are terminally ill and competent? are the incompetent less deserving of relief from suffering than the those competent individuals if physician assisted suicide is legally permitted yet restricted to the terminally ill adult with full decisionxs making capacity, it will certainly raise legal concerns about discrimination. 22 feb 2016 the journal of medical law and ethics jmle aims to publish excellent quality peer reviewed articles, reports, case notes and essays in the field of medical law and ethics, which is a very exciting and controversial area of law. This journal aims to focus in particular on the legal and ethical aspects of medicine. This is an opportunity for the increasing number of academics and practitioners alike to discuss the most controversial areas of medical law, to present research, to analyse and criticise the law, and hopefully aim to improve the way that medical care is provided. M.b.a. university of florida college of medicine gainesville, florida suhayfa bhamjee ndash llb, llm, attorney of the high court of south africa.

senior lecturer and researcher in consent, autonomy, hiv, genetic research, sexual misconduct and medical law. Faculty of law, university of copenhagen professor michael pepper ndash mbchb, phd, md, researcher in cell therapy, stem cells and genomics. Graduate centre, university of pretoria dr rebecca bennett ndash phd, senior lecturer and researcher in bioethics, assisted reproductive technologies, genetic testing in pregnancy, hiv/aids, cloning, stem cell research, selective treatment.