The movement for physician assisted suicide was dealt a lethal blow in New Mexico this week when the state’s Court of Appeals struck down a decision by a lower court that had permitted the practice. This is a victory for patients and physicians alike.

As the attorney arguing the case noted, “Suffering patients need compassionate care and quality medical treatment, not encouragement to commit suicide – and especially not through doctors who pledge to ‘do no harm.’”

At a time when the movement for physician assisted suicide is gaining great momentum, this is an important decision—and hopefully, a precedent that other states will follow.

Image by healthgauge via flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Author Profile

Christopher White, Ramsey Institute Project Director