The concept of Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) is extremely controversial and every state in the United States has the ability to vote for its legalization. So far five states have made the practice of Physicians contributing to the termination of a patient's life legal based on a set of detailed criteria. There are two very distinct sides of this argument and there have been many court cases with rulings both in favor and against PAS. A Washington Court case resulted in the determination that suicide is a crime and that Physicians should play no role in the activity. Alternatively, the state of Oregon legalized PAS after a case that Death with Dignity should be allowed for those who fit the qualifications. Many individuals believe PAS goes against the Hippocratic Oath that all Physicians must take and therefore, many medical professionals like Dr. Kevorkian have been charged with murder. Individuals who fit the criteria for PAS should have the right to choose to end their suffering and die with dignity as it can relieve a financial burden, take less of a toll on their families, and they can pass quickly and painlessly.
