EUTHANASIA HARMS DOCTORS, TOO
Doctors who participate in physician-assisted suicide are scarred emotionally and psychologically by the experience, according to a study by a doctor opposed to the practice. Kenneth R. Stevens Jr, of the Physicians for Compassionate Care Education Foundation, says that these side-effects are often overlooked. “Doctors must take responsibility for causing the patient’s death,” he writes. “There is a huge burden on conscience, tangled emotions and a large psychological toll.” He also claims that some doctors feel pressured by their patients and others to participate.
Dr Stevens based his observations on reports in the media and medical journals. One comment by Pieter Admiraal, a leading figure in Dutch euthanasia, sums up his colleagues’ comments: “You will never get accustomed to killing somebody. We are not trained to kill. With euthanasia, your nightmare comes true.”
- How long can you put off seeing the doctor because of lockdowns? - December 3, 2021
- House of Lords debates assisted suicide—again - October 28, 2021
- Spanish government tries to restrict conscientious objection - October 28, 2021
More Stories
Americans wrestle with definition of abortion
Abortion is just as inflammable and divisive an issue as ever in the United States, but the rhetoric is changing....
Anthropologists cancel panel discussion on sex binary over ‘transphobia’
The American Anthropology Association, together with its Canadian counterpart, has cancelled a presentation at its November conference in Toronto, because...
Belgians opting out of their opt-in organ donation policy
The number of Belgians who say they are ready to donate their organs after their death has reached a record...
Japanese scientists foresee artificial eggs and sperm in next decade
IVG, in vitro gametogenesis, is one of the most radical offshoots of IVF. Scientists are rushing to be the first...
Belgian Catholic bishop backs euthanasia
The position of the Catholic Church on euthanasia is well-known: it is staunchly opposed. The Catechism of the Catholic Church,...
Spanish pets must be offered alternatives to euthanasia
In a significant development for animal welfare in Spain, legislation aimed at curbing the mistreatment and abandonment of animals officially...