Would Legalized Aid in Dying Undermine Public Trust in Physicians?

Some opponents believe that physician aid-in-dying would undermine public trust in medicine’s dedication to preserving the life and health of patients, and that physicians may be more reluctant to invest their energy and time serving patients whom they believe would benefit more from a quick and easy death. In rebuttal, I would argue that one of the reasons behind the public demand for legal change in assisted dying is patients’ desire for more control and the existing lack of trust in the ability to physicians to relieve their suffering.

Some opponents believe that physician aid-in-dying would undermine public trust in medicine’s dedication to preserving the life and health of patients, and that physicians may be more reluctant to invest their energy and time serving patients whom they believe would benefit more from a quick and easy death. In rebuttal, I would argue that one of the reasons behind the public demand for legal change in assisted dying is patients’ desire for more control and the existing lack of trust in the ability to physicians to relieve their suffering. If assisted dying were legally available as an extraordinary option under strict rules, and patients knew that in the case of suffering their issues of pain and dignity would be addressed, then public fear of the dying process might lessen and trust in physicians might consequently increase.