AllHealthcare

I have a patient...93 years old and in terrible pain. She has asked that we as her healthcare providers "end it." She has no family and no close friends. I hate to see this woman and pain, but I am at a loss. Legally, of course, I cannot consent to her wishes. But I want to help her. Any advice?

We in the so called 'civilized,' world have an inflated view of what it means to give care.  We seem to think that life should be extended ad infinitum if possible no matter what the cost.  We see this in cases like that of Terry Shivo, and again with the legal issues surrounding your patient's request.  In many cultures the death of the old and infirm is viewed as mercy, and as simply being the right thing to do for both them and the rest of the group.  I think that you are in a bind either way, because as a point of fact, no matter what is the right thing to do, you cannot at this time assist someone in ending their life without going to jail.  Right now what you need to do is sympathize with your patient and try to make them as comfortable as you can while they pass.  If you truely find that you believe they have the right to die when they chose, then you need to get behind those lobby groups that will push the issue in Washington, because that is where it needs to be changed.  ...  That said, good luck getting anything like that passed with the group of fundamentalist "we can tell you which direction to brush your teeth or else... but only because we don't want the terrorists to get you... NOW SIT DOWN AND DO AS I SAID YAH!!!! " ..... politicians.

Sorry, :        Viva la revolution!!!