Mass Medical Society Testifies Against Assisted Suicide
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
The Testimony
Henry Dorkin, M.D., vice president for the group, whose membership includes 25,000 physicians and medical students, provided the testimony for the medical society.
“It is understandable although tragic, that some patients in extreme duress may come to decide that death is preferable to life. However, allowing physicians to participate in assisted suicide would cause more harm than good," said Dorkin, who quoted from the American Medical Association's Code of Medical Ethics.
The Mass Medical Society has had a policy in opposition to physician-assisted suicide, first approved by members in 1996. The Societies policy also says that it supports patient dignity and the alleviation of pain and suffering at the end of life.
“Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer. Instead of participating in assisted suicide, physicians must aggressively respond to the needs of patients at the end of life in order that these patients continue to receive emotional support, comfort care, adequate pain control, and good communication," Dr. Dorkin said.
In concluding his testimony, Dorkin said "what is very clear to all is that there needs to be great compassion for our patients who suffer from terminal and debilitating diseases. The Society is committed to providing physicians treating terminally-ill patients with the ethical, medical, social, and legal education, training, and resources to enable them to contribute to the comfort and dignity of our patients and their families.”
The Medical Society also recorded its opposition to the level of disclosure and the documentation in the patient's medical record when a physician does not participate in assisted suicide.
The society also expressed concerns about provisions in the bill regarding proof of residency provisions and witness requirements along with concerns about safe storage and disposal of the dangerous medications.
See the full testimony of the Massachusetts Medical Society here.
Massachusetts Medical Society
Founded in 1781, the Massachusetts Medical Society, with over 25,000 physicians and student members, is dedicated to educating and advocating for the patients and physicians of Massachusetts.
Click here for more information.
Related Slideshow: New England’s Healthiest States
The United Health Foundation recently released its 2013 annual reoprt: America's Health Rankings, which provides a comparative state by state analysis of several health measures to provide a comprehensive perspective of our nation's health issues. See how the New England states rank in the slides below.
Definitions
All Outcomes Rank: Outcomes represent what has already occurred, either through death, disease or missed days due to illness. In America's Health Rankings, outcomes include prevalence of diabetes, number of poor mental or physical health days in last 30 days, health disparity, infant mortality rate, cardiovascular death rate, cancer death rate and premature death. Outcomes account for 25% of the final ranking.
Determinants Rank: Determinants represent those actions that can affect the future health of the population. For clarity, determinants are divided into four groups: Behaviors, Community and Environment, Public and Health Policies, and Clinical Care. These four groups of measures influence the health outcomes of the population in a state, and improving these inputs will improve outcomes over time. Most measures are actually a combination of activities in all four groups.
Diabetes Rank: Based on percent of adults who responded yes to the question "Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have diabetes?" Does not include pre-diabetes or diabetes during pregnancy.
Smoking Rank: Based on percentage of adults who are current smokers (self-report smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoke).
Obesity Rank: Based on percentage of adults who are obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 or higher.
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/
Related Articles
- The 40 Worcester School Cafeterias with the Most Health Code Violations
- #40 to #1 - Worcester School Cafeterias with the Most Health Code Violations
- Is Detoxing Actually Healthy for You?
- Smart Benefits: Healthy Self” Campaign Highlights Preventive Services
- The Clean Water Rule: Responding to the Public, Protecting Public Health
- Saint Vincent Hospital Kicks Off Healthy Over Hunger Cereal Drive
- Fallon Health is Now Accepting Applications for Community Grant Programs
- GoLocalTV: CVS Health Charity Classic Kicks Off With Larry Merlo
- Letter to the Editor: In Support of the Healthy Youth Act
- Arvizu: Birth Centers: An Important Extension of Health Care
- Five Ways Living in the Moment Will Improve Your Health
- The 17th CVS Health Charity Classic is Set to Tee Off
- School Bugs: 5 Ways to Boost Your Family’s Health During the School Year
- Former Worcester Health Commissioner to Be Honored with Walking Path
- 6 Make-Ahead Healthy Breakfasts to Start the School Day Right
- Dr. Matilde Castiel Named Worcester’s Commissioner of Health and Human Services
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It