Professional psychology, research and practice
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Prof Psychol Res Pr · Jun 1999
Attitudes of Oregon psychologists toward physician-assisted suicide and the Oregon Death With Dignity Act.
Since the passage of the Oregon Death With Dignity Act (ODDA), psychologists have been grappling with how to fulfill their legally specified role in the process of physician-assisted suicide. We surveyed Oregon psychologists to elicit their views on assisted suicide and the process of assessing patients who request such assistance. ⋯ Most survey respondents raised ethical or practical concerns with their role as assessors. Many important questions about how evaluations in the complex area should be conducted remain unanswered.
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End of life decisions and hastened suicide are discussed following the passage of the Death With Dignity Act in Oregon in 1994. Case examples are presented including a vignette highlighting ethical issues. ⋯ The experience with physician-assisted suicide in the Netherlands is briefly presented, and it is noted that in rare cases physician-assisted suicide is permitted for individuals in the Netherlands suffering primarily from mental disorders. The role of the mental health professional in end of life decisions is discussed along with a description of the proposed work of the recently established American Psychological Association working group on assisted suicide and end of life decisions.