RT Journal
A1 Lynn J
T1 ONcologists' practice of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1999
FD March 10
VO 281
IS 10
SP 897
OP 899
DO 10-1001/pubs.JAMA-ISSN-0098-7484-281-10-jac90000
UL http://dx.doi.org/10-1001/pubs.JAMA-ISSN-0098-7484-281-10-jac90000
AB 
To the Editor: Dr Emanuel and
colleagues1 reported the populations and practices involved
in PAS and euthanasia combined, rather than separately, as in Meier et
al.2 Perhaps the authors could share at least the key
variables as split. If their findings mimic those of Meier et
al,2 patients who have "euthanasia" will be very close
to death, incompetent, and suffering substantially. In contrast, those
with physician assistance in suicide will have at least some days or
weeks left, will be competent, and will be fearful of suffering and
loss of control. The "safeguards" that might be appropriate—and
even the language to talk about them—may well be quite different in
the 2 populations.