The AMA's current code of ethics states,
"Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks.Instead of engaging in assisted suicide, physicians must aggressively respond to the needs of patients at the end of life.Physicians:
- Should not abandon a patient once it is determined that cure is impossible.
- Must respect patient autonomy.
- Must provide good communication and emotional support.
- Must provide appropriate comfort care and adequate pain control."
Two out of the 50 draft resolutions that the AMA will consider during their conference in Maryland from November 10-14 would change this stance. Resolution 4 would reverse the AMA's position, while Resolution 5 would have the AMA adopt a neutral stance.
Both resolutions devalue human life and take steps toward allowing America's medical system to function like Canada's. Patients should not be treated like burdens. They deserve respect and care, even in the face of great difficulty and approaching death.
