L30 Phil 233F Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Secobarbital, Pentobarbital, Antiemetic
Document Summary
Definition: when a competent patient voluntarily chooses to terminate his or her own life with help from a physician who is aware of the patient"s intent. Current pas practice in oregon -- since 1997. Medication: secobarbital (9g capsule) or pentobarbital (10g liquid) Taken 1 hour after an antiemetic and on an empty stomach to prevent vomiting. Typically used as sleep aids, but at these doses are lethal. Capable -- defined as able to make a communicate health care decisions. Patient makes two oral requests to physician separated by at least 15 days. Patient provides written request to physician signed in presence of 2 witnesses. Prescribing physician and consulting physician confirm diagnosis and prognosis. Both physicians must confirm that patient is capable. No one should endure meaningless pain and suffering. In cases of terminally-ill patients, physicians can sometimes be unable to find an agreeable means of easing patients" suffering.
