Citation

Hilliard B. J. Law Med. Ethics 2007; 35(1): 158-174.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1748-720X.2007.00121.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The U.S.Supreme Court's 6-decision in Gonzales v. Oregon is the latest defeat for the Bush administration in its sustained attack on Oregon's physician-assisted suicide law. Both the majority opinion and the major dissent in Oregon provide an opportunity to assess the dangers inherent in allowing a political agenda that emphasizes the sanctity of life and minimizes professional ethical obligations to overshadow quality patient care at the end of life.