Will the AMA Change Its Position on Assisted Suicide?

The American Medical Association’s governing body, the House of Delegates, will debate changing the AMA Code of Medical Ethics that currently states that “physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer.”  Aging with Dignity has long opposed assisted suicide, arguing that doctors should be focused on healing, not killing.  The House of Delegates will also consider changing the term “physician-assisted suicide” to the more euphemistic “medical aid in dying,” as it is termed in Canada.  Why the change?  Because “the term ‘suicide’ may misrepresent and stigmatize patients’ rationale and choices.”  Disability advocates are quite concerned, arguing that physician-assisted suicide is a form of discrimination against the disabled. 

Read more: New York Sun