of pain-killing drugs. In the 1870s, the debate was primarily philosophical rather than medical. Nevertheless, the discussion drew on technological advances such as chloroform; ideas about a person's comparative worth; the fashion for social Darwinism; and palliative care. Similarly in the early 1900s, Kemp links proposals for euthanasia to the contemporary vogue for eugenics-though he is alway...

Alternative to Euthanasia: Pain Management Matthew E. Conolly, M.D. Euthanasia is increasingly being touted as a beguilingly simple solution to the tragedy of a badly managed terminal illness. However, critical examination reveals that, far from being any kind of worthwhile solution, euthanasia turns out to be a Pandora’s Box of woes far worse than those which now confront us. It should be emph...

INTRODUCTION OR BACKGROUND The public assumes that if euthanasia and assisted suicide were to be legalized they would be carried out by physicians. SOURCES OF DATA In furthering critical analysis, we supplement the discourse in the ethics and palliative care literature with that from medical education and evolving jurisprudence. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Both proponents and opponents agree that th...

Studies on hydromineral balance in fishes frequently employ measurements of electrolytes following euthanasia. We tested the effects of fresh- or salt-water euthanasia baths of tricaine mesylate (MS-222) on plasma magnesium (Mg(2+)) and sodium (Na(+)) ions, cortisol and osmolality in fish exposed to saltwater challenges, and the ion and steroid hormone fluctuations over time following euthanasi...

In his article, Thomas Rissfeldt argues the compatibility of palliative care with euthanasia and assisted suicide. 1 By account, many working within field feel that physician-assisted suicide are incompatible care. Wrongly, according to author, since (1) aims euthanasia/assisted not different, (2) compatible fundamental role physician as healer, (3) do necessarily constitute patient abandonment...