Cited by 22Ethics and bioethics in healthcarePalliative Care and End-of-Life IssuesPalliative and Oncologic Care

A conceptual framework for thinking about physician-assisted death for persons with a mental disorder.

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Shaffer, Catherine S., Cook, Alana N., Connolly, Deborah A.·2016·Psychology, Public Policy, and Law

Abstract

Physician-assisted death (PAD) has been enacted in a number of international jurisdictions, with several extending access to PAD for persons whose condition is not terminal, including those with a mental disorder. We argue that based on the state of the literature, it is too early to make well-defined recommendations on how relevant fields can proceed legally, ethically, and clinically, particularly in regard to PAD for persons with a mental disorder. The aim of this paper is to introduce a framework for further discussions on PAD for persons with a mental disorder to stimulate thoughtful and considered debate in our field. We provide a brief discussion of the principles that guide regulatory frameworks on PAD practices worldwide, including a discussion of jurisdictions in Europe and North America that allow PAD for those suffering from an incurable non-terminal disease, illness, or disability. Next, we present a conceptual framework as a series of questions that address legal, ethical, and clinical dilemmas arising from this trend. We conclude with a summary of guidelines on the practice of PAD from international jurisdictions in order to assist in the development of potential legal and professional regulations.

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  1. Irvine, J. C., Osborne, P. H., & Mary, J. (2013). Canadian Medical Law (4 th ed.). Toronto, ON: Carswell Publishing.
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Authors
Shaffer, C. S., Cook, A. N., & Connolly, D. A.
Affiliations
Simon Fraser University (CA)
Corresponding author
Shaffer, Catherine S.
Venue
Psychology, Public Policy, and Law
Published
2016
Volume
22
Issue
2
Pages
141-157
ISSN
  • 1076-8971 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-1528
OpenAlex
W2346992978
Cited by
21
References
145
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 1
FWCI
2.65
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Psychology Public Policy and Law (publishedVersion)
  • Summit (Simon Fraser University) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Simon Fraser University
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Ethics and bioethics in healthcare
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Palliative and Oncologic Care
Keywords
physician-assisted death, mental illness, conceptual framework, mental health law, clinical dilemmas

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