Health Care Professionals Group

Are health care professionals morally and legally obligated to comply with,or to deny, requests of euthanasia?

Public Comments

1. Legally they cannot, Dr. Kevorkian was put in jail for it. I think morally, in cases of terminal illness, they should because it would reduce the pain and suffering of the patient.
2. Doctors take an oath to save lives, not take them. Euthanasia, though controversial in some states, is illegal in the US. It is morally wrong to take a life, even your own.
3. Legally, no. Morally, yes. But it's not an easy call. That's why there is now a living will and DNR.
4. They can not cause euthanasia. In some states there are right to deny medical care, in those states if you ask not to be brought back if you start to go, then they can't bring you back
5. Oregon as of now has the only legal right to assist in suicide. There are many procedures to go through first. The doctor does not have to grant, but many will.
6. It is against the law.
7. Health care workers are not obligated to comply with requests of active euthanasia. We can, however, comply with passive euthanasia.
8. Deny
9. If the person has a living will all health care professionals have to comply with it. If someone is a DNR they can't go against that with out the consent of the individule. Yes, Dr.'s take an oath to save lives, but if we left it up to them all the time eventually we'll be on breathing machines and feeding tubes for eternity.