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ISSN 2594-1518 (Electronic)
ISSN 1405-0099 (Print)

2013, Number S2

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Cir Gen 2013; 35 (S2)

The right to choose: euthanasia and assisted suicide

Álvarez RA

Language: Spanish
References: 10
Page: 115-118
PDF size: 132.47 Kb.


ABSTRACT

This paper begins by clarifying what is meant by “euthanasia” and “assisted suicide” and distinguishes them from other end-of-life medical decisions. The places in which euthanasia or assisted suicide are legally allowed are mentioned as well as the legal situation in Mexico. The paper then analyzes some arguments against physician-assisted death and its relation to palliative care, specifically to terminal sedation. Finally, we comment on the current debate to consider extending the legal scope of physician-assisted death in two situations: for patients with dementia and for very elderly mentally competent individuals who wish to end their life.


REFERENCES

  1. Álvarez del Río A. Práctica y ética de la eutanasia. México, D.F.: Fondo de Cultura Económica; 2005.

  2. Hurst SA, Mauron A. Assisted suicide and euthanasia: allowing a role for non-physicians. BMJ. 2003; 326: 271-273.

  3. Angell M. May Doctors Help You to Die? The New York Review of Books. October 11, 2012.

  4. Schüklenk U, van Delden JJM, Downie J, et al. End-of-life decision-making in Canada: the report by The Royal Society of Canada expert panel on end-of-life decision-making. Bioethics. 2011; 25: 1–73.

  5. Foro Consultivo de Ciencia y Tecnología, Colegio de Bioética, A.C. Eutanasia: hacia una muerte digna... México, D.F: Foro Consultivo de Ciencia y Tecnología, Colegio de Bioética; 2008.

  6. Goy ER, Jackson A, Harvath T, et al. Oregon hospice nurses and social workers’ assessment of physician progress in palliative care over the past 5 years. Palliat Support Care. 2003; 1: 215-219.

  7. European Association for Palliative Care. Palliative care development in countries with a euthanasia law. [Internet]. Disponible en: http://www.commissiononassisteddying.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/EAPC-Briefing-Paper-Palliative-Care-in-Countries-with-a-Euthanasia-Law.pdf

  8. Rietjens JAC, et al. Terminal Sedation and Euthanasia. A Comparison of Clinical Practices. Arch Intern Med. 2006; 166: 749-753.

  9. Battin M. Terminal Sedation: Pulling the Sheet over Our Eyes. Hastings Center Report. 2008; 38: 27-30.

  10. Youngner S, Kimsa GK. Physician-assisted death in perspective. Assesing the Dutch experience. New York, USA: Cambridge University Press; 2012.




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