Citation

Naafs N. Pharm. Weekbl. 2000; 135(21): 752-755.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, D B Centens Witgeversmij)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The debate on euthanasia and assistance with suicide continues. In the Netherlands, physicians annually make thousands of medical decisions around the end of life. The opinion that a prescription forces a pharmacist to supply agents that enable patient and physician - in accordance with the request of the patient - to effect an early death, doesn't do justice to the professional and human responsibilities of the pharmacist. This article addresses the personal responsibility of the pharmacist in deciding to supply euthanatic agents or not, and the question whether the pharmacist should inform the physician beforehand about his willingness to collaborate in euthanasia or not.

Language: en

Keywords

article; attitude; Drug dispensing; Ethics; euthanasia; Euthanasia; human; Legislation; medical decision making; medical practice; Netherlands; pharmacist; Pharmacists; Referral and consultation; responsibility