X-Message-Number: 23021
From: "Basie" <>
Subject: Palliative care 
Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2003 22:44:19 -0500

"Another dilemma revolves around the request for the continuance of
palliative care. Palliative care by definition includes the administering of
pain-killing drugs. It is widely acknowledged that the effect of large
dosages of pain-killers may hasten death. As a result, many doctors fail to
supply an adequate dosage that would relieve the pain and suffering, for
fear of being held criminally liable should the dosage be found to have
hastened the patient's death. In our situation, the hastening of a person's
death, 'if it was done unlawfully and with the necessary intention', would
constitute murder."

Is the definition for palliative care the same in all US states?

Basie

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