We oppose physician-assisted suicide because it challenges the very foundation of the medical profession, which is rooted in preserving life and alleviating suffering. The role of a physician is to heal, support, and guide patients through their suffering, not to end their lives. While we deeply empathize with those experiencing terminal illness or unbearable pain, we believe there are other ways to provide comfort and dignity without resorting to ending a life.

One of our central concerns is the potential for abuse. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide opens the door to situations where vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, disabled, or those suffering from mental health conditions, may feel pressured to end their lives. It is crucial that patients feel supported and valued, not burdened by the idea that their suffering is too great a burden on their families or society. The possibility of coercion, whether overt or subtle, is a real concern when it comes to such an irreversible decision.

We also believe that physician-assisted suicide undermines the progress we have made in palliative care. Modern medicine has made remarkable advancements in managing pain and improving the quality of life for those with terminal conditions. Hospice and palliative care offer alternatives that allow people to live their final days with dignity, surrounded by loved ones, without resorting to ending life prematurely. Instead of focusing on death as an option, we should prioritize expanding access to compassionate care that addresses physical, emotional, and psychological suffering.

Finally, we fear the societal implications of normalizing physician-assisted suicide. By making it a legal option, we risk sending the message that some lives are not worth living, and that the value of life can be diminished based on health or circumstances. We must uphold the inherent dignity of every human life, even in the face of suffering, and find ways to support one another through difficult times without resorting to ending life prematurely.