ABSTRACT
Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) remains a contentious and highly debated topic within medical, legal, and ethical spheres. The complex issue of (PAS) raises significant inquiries regarding patient autonomy and societal norms. Ambiguities in conceptual, legal, and ethical aspects impede policy formulation, leading to unequal access and apprehensions about patient welfare and confidence. This article provides a thorough examination of assisted suicide, exploring its legal, ethical, and medical dimensions. It aims to facilitate informed dialogue and stimulate further investigation into the legal framework and ethical considerations surrounding this contentious issue. Through a library-based research approach and qualitative analysis of existing literature, this study delves into the diverse facets of assisted suicide. The article begins with a definition and contextualisation of assisted suicide, distinguishing it from related end-of-life practices. It then delves into the legal landscape, discussing different legal frameworks and regulations across various jurisdictions, and significant legal cases that have shaped the current discourse. From an ethical standpoint, this article explores the ethical considerations involved in assisted suicide, including autonomy, dignity, and the sanctity of life, and presents the perspectives of different stakeholders. The medical perspective examines the role of healthcare professionals, the criteria for assisted suicide, and empirical research on its effectiveness and safety. Real- world case studies are presented to illustrate the complexities of assisted suicide. Furthermore, this article analyses public opinion and ongoing debates on the topic. Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of assisted suicide, fostering informed discussions and encouraging further exploration of this contentious issue.
Keywords: Assisted suicide, legal perspective, ethical consideration, end-of-life practices.
INTRODUCTION
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the practice of assisted suicide is commonly referred to as medically assisted suicide or aid-in-dying of a competent person with a terminal illness, asking for the assistance of a healthcare practitioner to end their life on purpose (Dugdale et al., 2019). This controversial and emotionally charged topic raises profound legal, ethical, and medical questions.
The topic’s significance lies in its intersection with fundamental principles such as autonomy, dignity, and the ability to govern one’s body and destiny. Advocates contend that assisted suicide is a caring and humane alternative for people suffering from incurable diseases, enabling them to die on their own terms and avoid unnecessary pain and suffering. These proponents stress the significance of patient autonomy and death with dignity (Fontalis et al., 2018).
On the contrary, those who oppose assisted suicide cite concerns about potential abuse and the deterioration of the doctor-patient connection in considering the moral ramifications of purposefully hastening death. They emphasise the sanctity of life and suggest that rather than assisting death, medical practitioners should focus on providing palliative care and support to reduce suffering (Fontalis et al., 2018). The topic holds legal significance as well, as the rules and regulations governing assisted suicide differ widely throughout different governments and states. The governments of certain nations have made assisted suicide lawful or decriminalised it under certain conditions, while others have explicitly forbidden it. Legal debates often revolve around issues of consent, the definition of terminal illness, the role of healthcare professionals, and the need for safeguards to prevent abuse (Pereira, 2011).
Given the complexity of the issue and its profound implications for individuals, families, and society, understanding the legal, ethical, and medical perspectives surrounding assisted suicide is crucial. Analysing these perspectives helps to inform public discourse, shape policy decisions, and guide medical professionals in navigating end- of-life care options.
This article thoroughly examines assisted suicide, covering its definition, historical context, legal frameworks, ethical considerations, medical perspectives, case studies, public opinion, and ongoing debates. Assisted suicide is defined and contextualised within historical and cultural narratives, with an analysis of legal frameworks across jurisdictions and arguments for and against legalisation. Ethical dilemmas, including autonomy and the sanctity of life, are discussed within various ethical frameworks alongside perspectives from medical professionals and advocacy groups. The role of physicians in assisted suicide, its criteria, and its safeguards are explored through empirical research, while case studies illustrate its complexities. Public opinion polls reflect cultural and religious influences on attitudes, while ongoing debates highlight the diversity of arguments. Overall, this article offers a synthesised analysis of legal, ethical, and medical aspects of assisted suicide, with consideration for future developments.