A Commentary on Oregon Physician-Assisted Suicide

The term, "physician assisted death" highlights the medical professionals' role in the killing, and prepares people for relinquishing their own role in the decision.   The intention has always been to move through the concept of suicide to government directed euthanasia of people who have outlived their "usefulness".  

This follows the pattern of abortion which is so often not the actual choice of the woman, even in the U.S.,  but most particularly in some other countries of the world.  As medical professionals lose their right to avoid participating in these processes, abortion and euthanasia will no longer be a matter of personal preference. but of governmental control over the time of death for everyone.

Karen Brauer, MS, RPh

President, PFLI

kbrauer@pfli.org