On graduation day, few new pharmacists think their beliefs and morals could severely interfere with their ability to perform their job. They also may not grasp the gravity of the oath as they recite, “I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns.”
A proposed bill in Massachusetts named Death with Dignity has generated controversy over the best way to handle end of life care. After being denied in 2012 the bill has returned for consideration in the Massachusetts legislature. Due to legal processes however the bill cannot return to the Massachusetts ballot until 2018, giving plenty of time for those raised eyebrows to ponder some interesting points. The proposed bill would allow terminally ill patients to be given lethal drugs upon request. It is specific for patients who have the capacity to make health care decisions and suffer from a terminal disease, which will cause death within six months. The details of the bill have many other caveats and preclusions to prevent exploitation of the patient. It has already passed in four states: Oregon, Washington, Vermont, and California. The pharmacist’s involvement is voluntary so far, and can range from verification of the order to counseling of the patient.
The bill is seen to honor the autonomy of the patient while neglecting the moral and ethical standards of the pharmacist involved. As healers are we truly advocating for the needs of our patients by allowing them to end their life? We already abide by a patients choice to refuse extraordinary life extending measures. Is this the next step? The scenario is hardly that simple. A similar debate ensued when Plan B or Levonorgestrel, went from prescription to OTC. Will pharmacists have the right to exercise conscientious refusal to dispense lethal doses in Massachusetts as we do with Plan B? What position will this put the pharmacist in? What position will this put the patient in?
- Death with Dignity Acts - Death With Dignity. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from https://www.deathwithdignity.org/learn/death-with-dignity-acts/
- Oath of a Pharmacist. (2012, July 17). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://www.pharmacist.com/oath-pharmacist
- Contraception Controversy: The Pharmacist's Perspective. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2014/june2014/contraception-controversy-the-pharmacists-perspective
- The 189th General Court of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from https://malegislature.gov/Bills/187/House/H3884
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