Episode 073: Is Physician Assisted Suicide Good Policy? A discussion with Dr. Aaron Kheriaty

As sure as life exists, death will follow. As such, people will continue to try to control not only their life but the circumstances of their death. Life is also full of instances of suffering, pain, and despair. Of course, life is also full of joy, love, and happiness. But those who are in significant pain, the throes of depression, or despair may not see any solution to suffering except taking their own life. The two questions then come down to whether or not we need to have physicians involved and whether we should encourage or help those looking to end their life.

My guest today is an expert in the phenomenon of physician assisted suicide. Dr. Aaron Kheriaty is an associate professor of psychiatry and the medical director of the UC Irvine Medical School who has studied and written extensively on suicide. He stated that indeed, in states that have legalized physician assisted suicide the rate of suicide goes up significantly in every age category not necessarily just with those who use physicians to help in bringing death.

The arguments in favor of allowing physician assisted suicide are two fold. One, is that it is a reasonable way to end pain and suffering - especially amongst those who have no chance of their condition improving. The second is one of autonomy - or the right for a person to control their body. Dr. Kheriaty makes the argument that there are almost always alternative methods for resolving the issues to pain or loneliness without resorting to suicide. As for autonomy, although people have a right to make the decision to end their life, they need to be educated that their are other options and that their decision also has a far greater impact on others than they realize.

The data in Oregon show that about 50% of those who get the assisted suicide pills ever take the medication and commit suicide. And of those who receive a prescription  only 3% are referred to mental health care for an evaluation of their suicidal ideation. So it is probably not so much an issue of mental health resources as it is a failure of the medical profession or society seeing suicide as a viable option.

Finally, it is a fairly well known phenomenon that the risk of suicide increases to those closely associated with the individual who successfully committed suicide. This makes a social or legal acceptance a dangerous proposition that people would be more likely to take their own life than seek alternatives to their anguish or suffering. As doctors, what should be the role, if any, in people taking their lives? Why is it necessary to have doctors perform this when really anyone could help someone commit suicide? Is it simply a way to legitimize the practice or make it seem as if it is sterile and acceptable.