Redefining Physicians' Role in Assisted Dying.

The authors propose a system that would remove physicians from direct involvement in the self-directed dying process. They describe some of the efforts and movements toward greater social and legal acceptance of the process. They also highlight findings of a survey of relatives of terminally ill patients in Oregon which reflect the perspective that some terminally ill patients wish to exercise their autonomy for their death. They discuss six primary objections to legalizing assisted dying.