‘Neutral stance’
Recently the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) announced its decision to take a “neutral stance” on physician-assisted suicide. The AAFP also stated that it would back laws “that protect physicians from criminal prosecution for assisting terminally ill patients in ‘ending their suffering’ in states where such actions are permitted.”
This move marks a shift in the American medical communities’ long and deeply held opposition to physician-assisted suicide, noted the Catholic Medical Association (CMA).
The CMA called the decision “quite startling” and said that “it is in direct violation of the ‘do no harm’ Hippocratic Oath.”
Opposed to assisted suicide
“We at the CMA are dedicated to preserving life from conception to natural death and will continue to remain staunchly opposed to any form of assisted suicide. It goes against natural law,” said CMA President Peter T. Morrow, MD.
Citizens should join with the CMA in encouraging the AAFP to reverse its decision. More information can be found on the CMA’s website, www.cathmed.org
Advocacy and awareness-raising about good palliative care are also needed so that physician-assisted suicide doesn’t look like an attractive alternative to people who are alone and in great pain, noted Dr. Barbara Golder, a CMA member.