Requests for euthanasia by competent patients suffering severely and irremediably from an incurable disease are understandable; however, legally they cannot be honored. Physicians are obliged to provide treatment and care that results in a peaceful, dignified, and humane death with minimal physical suffering. Statutory legalization of euthanasia by physicians could have an adverse impact on society. Thoughtful decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatment together with sustained, comprehensive symptom relief and emotional and spiritual support could provide an effective alternative to euthanasia for most dying patients.
However, some physicians and advocacy groups contend that physicians should be allowed to actively assist those who cannot commit suicide because of extreme infirmity and who prefer death to continued suffering. Physicians caring for the elderly have an obligation to be engaged in this policy debate and to seek to ensure safeguards for vulnerable patients and stewardship of the public trust.