Dr. Richard Wesley has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the incurable disease that lays waste to muscles while leaving the mind intact. He lives with the knowledge that an untimely death is chasing him down, but takes solace in knowing that he … Continue reading →

It’s not a frequent topic of discussion, but doctors die, too. And they don’t die like the rest of us. more

The death of pathologist Jack Kevorkian, MD, left many pondering the long-term influence of a highly controversial figure and what role he may have played in transforming the nation’s perception of dying. more

The package in the mail might have been anything: a simple white box decorated with a butterfly. But inside were the simple tools 29-year-old Nicholas Klonoski used to end his life. more

A review of research carried out over 20 years suggests that UK doctors appear to consistently oppose euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS). These examined UK doctors’ attitudes to either assisted voluntary euthanasia (AVE), or PAS, or both. The majority of … Continue reading →

The point is that end-of-life care is an individual decision that should be thoroughly discussed with one’s family and physicians. Studies have shown that when doctors don’t know a patient’s wishes, they are inclined to use every possible procedure and … Continue reading →

Most people would agree that when the time comes, they want a “good death.” But what that means is all too often left up in the air until a crisis strikes or the stricken person is no longer able to … Continue reading →

The former docker was the first UK citizen to take advantage of the more relaxed Swiss laws. Swiss law does not state that assisted suicide is legal but the practice is widely considered as a “humane act”. more

The death of 22-year-old Vincent Humbert is just the latest in a series of high profile euthanasia cases that have changed the issue of assisted suicide from a dark secret, to an openly debated topic in many countries around the … Continue reading →

In a surprising twist to a euthanasia case that has captivated the nation, the head doctor of the intensive care ward where a French paraplegic, Vincent Humbert, died six weeks ago is expected to be charged with premeditated murder for … Continue reading →