Physician-Assisted Suicide
/ˌfɪzɪʃən əˈsɪstɪd ˈsuːsaɪd/
Definitions
- (n.) The practice in which a physician provides a competent, terminally ill patient with the means to end their own life, typically through prescribing lethal medication, under legal frameworks permitting this act.
The court considered whether physician-assisted suicide violated the patient's constitutional rights.
- (n.) A legally regulated act distinct from euthanasia, as the patient performs the final act causing death rather than the physician.
Physician-assisted suicide laws vary significantly between jurisdictions regarding eligibility and procedural safeguards.
Forms
- physician-assisted suicide
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term is strictly defined within jurisdictions permitting the practice; its legal status and procedural requirements vary and should be carefully distinguished from euthanasia, which involves direct physician action to cause death.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.