A Conceptual Framework for Thinking About Physician-Assisted Death for Persons With a Mental Disorder

作者：Shaffer Catherine S; Cook Alana N; Connolly Deborah A

来源：Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 2016, 22(2): 141-157.

DOI：10.1037/law0000082

• international legislation
• mental disorder
• physician-assisted death
• practice guidelines

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 with 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 nonterminal 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 to assist in the development of potential legal and professional regulations.

• 出版日期2016-5