I APPLAUD the viewpoint of Jeff Jacoby in “What about do no harm?” (Op-ed, Oct. 17) which reminds us of the medical tautology that “prescribing death is not a doctor’s role.”
As health care providers for patients suffering from terminal illness, many of us have the privilege and responsibility of caring for patients and their families during the most difficult chapter in their lives. We are charged with using the means at our disposal to improve physical and emotional well-being and to maximize comfort, even in situations where we cannot extend life.
Comments
" Would we permit a “terminally ill” patient to walk into a gun shop with a note from her doctor prescribing a weapon to end her life?" Such an outcome is vastly more likely under current law than it would be if Question 2 passes, but maybe the author already knows that.